Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease with a profound impact on workers in industries where exposure to silica dust is prevalent. As a chronic and incurable condition, it highlights the often-overlooked hazards faced by those in mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors. This article breaks down the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of silicosis, providing a comprehensive overview of its pathophysiology. Silicosis - Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from the MSD Manuals - Medical Consumer Version. Silicosis, particularly the acute form, is characterized by shortness of breath, cough, fever, and cyanosis (bluish skin). It may often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Using workplace controls, silicosis is almost always a preventable disease. [5] Most people get silicosis from a workplace where they inhale large amounts of silica dust. Learn more about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent this lung disease.
