Occupational lung diseases encompass a variety of lung diseases caused by exposure to airborne substances in the workplace that damage or irritate the lungs. Known causes of lung damage include silica dust, iron ore, asbestos, beryllium, cotton, flax, hemp, aluminum and cadmium, and gases such as chlorine, phosgene, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide and ammonia.
Cleveland Clinic pulmonologists are versed in the diagnosis and treatment of all occupational lung diseases. However, the most common occupational lung diseases seen at The Cleveland Clinic are asbestosis, chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis) and occupational asthma.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung disease that results when tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the air tubes in the lungs (bronchi), where they cause scarring. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can also cause the membrane encasing the lungs (pleura) to thicken, or tumors to develop in the pleura (mesothelioma) or the sac lining the abdomen. Asbestos inhalation is associated with the development of lung cancer in people who smoke cigarettes.
Over time, the scars from asbestosis cause the lungs to loose their elasticity, making breathing increasingly difficult. Up to 15 percent of people with asbestosis eventually die of respiratory failure.
How is asbestosis treated?
There is no cure for asbestosis. However, shortness of breath can be relieved with oxygen. In some cases, lung transplantation may be offered. Patients with asbestosis who smoke are encouraged to quit in order to reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Beryllium is a metal used in many industries. The inhalation of beryllium dust or vapors at work can cause disease in susceptible individuals. In most people the effects develop slowly, often over years after contact with beryllium has stopped.
Chronic beryllium disease
Chronic beryllium disease is inflammation (with a granulomatous reaction) and scarring of the lung tissue. Symptoms include increasing shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, weight loss and chest pain.
How is berylliosis treated?
Chronic beryllium disease can damage the lungs, leading to death. Cleveland Clinic pulmonologists with a special interest in chronic beryllium disease are conducting two clinical trials with funding from the Department of Energy.
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is asthma caused by an airway irritant in the workplace. However, symptoms often do not appear until the person leaves work, making the link between cause and effect difficult to identify. A skin patch test or inhalation test can help identify the irritant.
How is occupational asthma treated?
Normal asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and theophylline tablets, can help keep airways open. Corticosteroids are used to reduce airway inflammation.
Make an appointment now. Or call 216.444.6503 or 800.223.2273 Ext. 4-6503 to schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic pulmonary physician specializing in occupational lung diseases.
