St. Louis Lung Damage Attorney
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What is Silicosis?
Once silica is inhaled, the lung tissue reacts by developing fibrotic nodules and scarring around the silica particles. This fibrotic condition is known as “silicosis”. The nodules and scarring becomes a problem when they grow too large or become too extensive. When this occurs, breathing can become extremely difficult resulting in infections or death. Also, because silicosis decreases the blood flow to the lungs, the heart may be caused to enlarge. There are three types of silicosis depending on how much silica has been inhaled:
- Chronic: Typically occurs after 10 or more years of substantial exposure and is the most common form of silicosis
- Accelerated: Typically occurs between 5-10 years after exposure and results from highly concentrated exposures and
- Acute: Occurs where exposure is very high (concentrated) and causes symptoms to develop within a few weeks to five years
Oftentimes, silicosis is not diagnosed for 15-20 years after exposure because it takes a long time to show up on a chest x-ray. Individuals may notice the symptoms much sooner than the diagnosis. Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion, wheezing, cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pain, fever, and skin discoloration. For the increasing numbers of people diagnosed with silicosis, the diagnosis can be devastating. There is no effect treatment or cure for silicosis.
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