The black lungs (pneumoconiosis workers, miners, miners disease asthma, anthracosis, anthrasilicosis) is a respiratory disease that occurs due to the inhalation of coal dust in the long term. Pneumokoniosis coal workers occurs in two forms, namely simplek and komplikata (progressive massive fibrosis). Types of simplek are usually mild, while the type komplikata can be fatal.
On simplek black lung, coal-dust gathered around a small breath channel (bronkiolus). The cockpit relaitif inert and does not cause much reaction, coal-dust will spread throughout the lungs and appear as small spots on the chest.
Coal-dust doesn't clog the channels of the breath. But each year, the 1-2% of patients with simplek black lungs, will develop into a more serious form of the disease called progressive massive fibrosis, which is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the lungs (minimum diameter 1 cm). Although it is no longer going to coal dust exposure, but progressive massive fibrosis will deteriorate. Scar tissue can cause damage to tissue and blood vessels of the lungs.
Caplan syndrome is a rare disorder that can strike the coal miners who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Nodules of scar tissue that is round and big will expand rapidly in the lungs. These nodules may also be formed on the people who are exposed to coal dust, although they were not suffering from black lung.
The cause of
The black lungs is a result of terhirupnya coal powder in a long period of time. Smoking does not cause increased incidence rate of black lung, but can provide additional effects that are harmful to the lungs. The risk of suffering from black lung is related to the length and breadth of exposure to coal dust. Most of the affected workers are over 50 years old. The disease is found in 7 out of 100,000 people.
Symptoms
Black Lung simplek usually do not cause symptoms. But many sufferers who experience chronically coughing and shortness of breath because they also suffered from emphysema (due to smoking) or bronchitis (because of smoking or exposure to other toxic industrial pollutants). Progressive massive fibrosis also causes severe coughing and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on an examination of the results enforced chest and lung function tests.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this disease, but to treat its complications (right heart failure or pulmonary tuberculosis). In case of respiratory disorders, then given a bronchodilator and expectorant. It is recommended to avoid further exposure.
Prevention
Black Lung can be prevented by avoiding the coal dust in the work environment. Coal miners have to undergo inspection every chest photos 4-5 years so this disease can be found at the early stage. If the disease is found, then the worker must be transferred to the area where coal dust levels low, to avoid the onset of progressive massive fibrosis.
EmoticonEmoticon