Overview of Silicosis

Abstract

Silicosis/Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a most common
pneumo-coniosis. Silicosis is an irreversible fibrotic lung disease which is a form of
occupational pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation and deposition of crystalline
silicon dioxide (SiO2) in the bronchi, lymph node and/or lung Parenchyma as a result
of exposure during mining, stone crushing and quarrying activities which occurs
mostly in developing countries. Highly populated countries are exposed and the USA,
Europe, China and India are listed in the top among the countries. However, the number
is still too low because of parallel number of undiagnosed cases. Silicosis induces a
series of Inflammatory reactions that further trigger a chronic or acute fibrotic change
in the lungs. Silicosis is associated with other comorbidities among which TB,COPD
and Cancer are the most prevalent. Till now, there is no curative treatment however
some management strategies may help to recover quality of shelf life and slow
deterioration.