Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Prevention and Prognosis of Silicosis


Prevention and Prognosis

Prevention

Limiting exposure to harmful dusts is one of the most efficient strategies to prevent silicosis. Air quality and dust concentration in the workplace has to be monitored. Routine chest radiographs and spirometry can be used to monitor workers, and may help to identify early disease. Avoidance of smoking is a must. Efficient smoking cessation efforts should be encouraged.

Prognosis

Patients with simple silicosis may have no symptoms and may remain stable for many years. The prognosis of accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis is poor. Complicated silicosis shows gradual worsening of symptoms; lung function deteriorates and disability increases.

Silico-proteinosis is a fatal pulmonary disorder. The clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis is a predictor of prognosis.

Advertisement
Recommended Reading