Signs & Symptoms of Stone Dust Inhalation

Silicosis, or Potter´s Rot, is a lung disease caused by inhaling mineral dust. It is an occupational disease, as people are unlikely to develop it unless they work in industries with exposure to silicates in dust from stone, sand, coal and any similar substances. The disease develops slowly, and many workers don´t experience any symptoms for up to 20 years after the initial exposure. Unfortunately, once the symptoms appear, physicians can only alleviate them, as there is no cure for silicosis.

Definition

• Silicosis is a progressive disease, which is why it may not appear for many years. Inhaling stone dust causes the formation of lumps and fibrous scar tissue in the lungs. Inhalation usually needs to be continuous for the disease to develop, which is why it is most commonly diagnosed in stonecutters, miners, potters and anyone blasting or drilling through rock. Chronic silicosis develops after 15 years of exposure, and there is less lung function impairment than in the accelerated and acute forms. In the latter forms, exposure is more intense; two of the first signs of the disease are shortness of breath and weight loss.

Types and Signs

• With a complicated silicosis diagnosis, an x-ray usually shows loss of fibrous lung tissue, also called fibrosis. In addition, the patient risks developing tuberculosis (TB). With the accelerated form of the disease -- defined as developing within 5 to 10 years -- in addition to the symptoms seen in the complicated form, the person may also develop rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders. With the acute form, which starts within six months of exposure, the patient experiences severe weight loss, extreme shortness of breath and is most at risk of developing TB compared with patients in the other groups.

Symptoms

• An early symptom is shortness of breath after exercising accompanied by a dry, sometimes painful cough that refuses to go away despite treatment. As the disease progresses, breathing becomes more difficult and coughing may produce blood. The person´s fingernails may develop a bluish tinge as the heart is affected. Other symptoms are tiredness and mental confusion along with weight loss for no apparent reason. Sudden fevers and chest pains are other common symptoms.

Symptom Management

• Bronchodilators, steam inhalation and oxygen therapy are used to alleviate symptoms. People with silicosis should avoid anyone with a cold or influenza because it is difficult for them to fight infection and they will require antibiotics. They should also have regular vaccinations against the flu. Physicians recommend physical therapy, as keeping up some regular activity helps strengthen the lungs and heart. This is a preventable disease, and employers and workers in "at risk" industries should wear protective masks and equipment that reduce dust inhalation.