Skip to main content

Silicosis

Stephanie Ann Carey, MPH, MD and Kevin Wile, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

Silicosis, a type of pneumoconiosis (fibrogenic or carcinogenic), is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust in the form of quartz, cristobalite, or tridymite. Diagnosis is based on his...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Discuss occupational exposure: duration and magnitude of exposure

  • Medical surveillance examinations for those exposed to silica as recommended by OSHA, completed by employer  (3)

  • Chroni...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Prevention:

    • Elimination of further exposure

    • Workplace regulations — engineering controls

    • Respiratory protection — based on exposure

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation

  • Management of chronic ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Annual pulmonary follow-up:

    • Treat infections aggressively

    • Appropriate health care vaccines (influenza and pneumococcal)

    • Yearly TST

    • C...

REFERENCES

1
Leung  CC, Yu  IT, Chen  W. Silicosis. Lancet.  2012; 379(9830): 2008– 2018.  [View Abstract]
2
Casey ML, Mazurek JM. S...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema; Cor Pulmonale; Pneumothorax; Tuberculosis 

CODES

ICD10

J62.8 Pneumoconiosis due to other dust containing silica 

SNOMED

  • 805002 pneumoconiosis due to silica (disorder)

  • 47515009 Simple silicosis

  • 233762004 Chronic silicosis

  • 233760007 Acute silicosis

  • 196...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Usually benign and asymptomatic but may become chronic. Yearly follow-up is recommended.

  • Diagnosis is made using a combination of history of occupational exposure and radiographic evide...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×