Mineral dust airway disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mineral dust airway disease | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
Mineral dust airway disease is a general term used to describe complications due to inhaled mineral dust causing fibrosis and narrowing of primarily the respiratory bronchioles.[1] It is a part of a group of disorders known as pneumoconioses which is characterized by inhaled mineral dust and the effects on the lungs.[2]
The three main types of pneumoconioses are Asbestosis (caused by inhaling asbestos), Silicosis (caused by inhaling silica), and Coal Workers pneumoconioses A.K.A Black Lung (caused by inhaling coal dust).[3] There are other forms called Mixed Dust pneumoconioses (caused by inhaling more than one mineral) and Byssinosis (caused by inhaling cotton dust).[3] These two forms are less common and doctors do not often encounter them. Other forms can develop from inhaling a number of different minerals including but not limited to; aluminum, antimony, barium, graphite, iron, kaolin, mica, and talc.[3]
Symptoms and signs
Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Coughing.[4]