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Query: UMLS:C0032273 (pneumoconiosis)
 1,578 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

To assess clincial effects of precipitated amorphous silica (PAS), the authors reviewed serial spirograms, respiratory questionnaires, and chest radiographs of 165 workers exposed for a mean of 8.6 years. Monthly exposure was graded on a 1 to 4 scale and a "cumulative exposure index" (CEI) calculated for each worker from the sum of measured exposure. A "mean exposure index" (MEI) was calculated by dividing the CEI by total months exposed. Sputum production and dyspnea were inversely correlated with CEI, while cough and dyspnea correlated with mean pack-years of smoking but not PAS exposure. Linear regression analysis of yearly change of all pulmonary function variables (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75) showed no correlation with either the dose of PAS (CEI) or total years of exposure. Among 44 workers with a mean exposure time of 18 years (range 10-35 years), yearly decline of FVC and FEV1 were similar to the overall group. Of 143 workers with serial radiographs and exposure to only PAS, none had radiographic pneumoconiosis. Respiratory symptoms in PAS workers correlate with smoking but not with PAS exposure, while serial pulmonary function values and chest radiographs are not adversely affected by long-term exposure.
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PMID:Effects of chronic amorphous silica exposure on sequential pulmonary function. 22 56

Two epidemiological surveys were made by the same research team on the prevalence and the aetiological factors of chronic bronchitis symptoms in coalminers. The first study was made in a coalminers' community of Belgian Limburg, the other one in a representative sample of coalminers regularly at work. In both surveys an excess of dyspnea complaints was observed in comparison to the prevalence of this symptom in controls. These dyspnea complaints often presented themselves as isolated symptoms, without chronic cough or phlegm production. Dyspnea in excess could not be explained by massive fibrosis. The prevalence of the symptom was not linked, neither to the spirometric values, nor to the results of respiratory challenge tests with acetylcholine, tobacco use, or the length of exposure at the coalface. When dyspnea was associated with cough and phlegm production there was on the contrary a statistically significant relation with the spirometric values and the effect of acetylcholine. It seems therefore reasonable to explain at least partially the isolated dyspnea complaints in coalminers by specific mechanisms not related to bronchitis but resulting from the pathological lesions characteristic of simple pneumoconiosis. Complaints of cough and phlegm production appear as a rule later in the coalminer's life. In the groups taken into consideration in the study they were linked with cigarette smoking which appeared as the predominant aetiological factor for these complaints; in a subgroup a synergic action of coaldust, tobacco use and air pollution could be discussed in this respect. Notwithstanding the pathogenic independence of some dyspnea complaints versus cough and expectoration, it is quite clear that when productive bronchitis develops and causes broncho-obstruction, it may aggravate pre-existing dyspneic patterns.
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PMID:Contribution to the natural history of chronic bronchitis in coal-miners. 55 52

Chronic cough in the sense of the international definition was found in 50.5% of a group of 970 coal-miners at work without pneumoconiosis. In 14.7% of these subjects the cough was without phlegm production. Non productive cough is therefore not a rare event and this symptom may not be neglected in the natural history of chronic bronchitis in coal-miners. The changes in lung function are similar whether the cough is productive or not. In both cases endoscopic and histological features are suggestive of an established chronic inflammatory process. Allergy is not more frequent in subjects with dry cough than in those with productive cough.
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PMID:Prevalence and etiology of chronic cough without sputum production in coal miners. 55 74

High-resolution CT (HRCT) scans were performed on 156 patients, using a bone-reconstruction algorithm, 1.5 collimation at 4 cm intervals from apex to base of the lungs and a 512 x 512 matrix. The patients appeared to have a pathologic condition on chest film, or else they presented positive clinical symptoms--i.e., cough, dyspnea, fever--and questionable/negative chest films. Since HRCT is capable of showing the secondary lobule, we employed it to study both its anatomy and the alterations that can modify its normal morphology--i.e., thickening of interlobular septa, reticular pattern, nodular pattern, high-density areas, sub-pleural lines, honeycomb pattern. HRCT findings in secondary lobules, airways, and pleura were examined. They were: lymphangitic spread of carcinoma, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pneumoconiosis, interstitial edema, phlogosis, bronchiectasis, emphysema, and bullae. Even though some limitations still exist due to the aspecificity of HRCT findings, the latter is the best method currently available to recognize and locate interstitial conditions and, sometimes, to make a diagnosis--e.g., of lymphangitic spread of carcinoma, interstitial edema, fibrosis, emphysema, bronchiectasis. Moreover, HRCT can accurately locate pathologic areas for lung biopsy and can be used instead of chest radiographs in the follow-up.
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PMID:[High-definition computed tomography in the study of the pulmonary parenchyma. The author's own experience]. 155 47

Two hundred and eighty-three (283) male diesel bus garage workers from four garages in two cities were examined to determine if there was excess chronic respiratory morbidity related to diesel exposure. The dependent variables were respiratory symptoms, radiographic interpretation for pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and flow rates). Independent variables included race, age, smoking, drinking, height, and tenure (as surrogate measure of exposure). Exposure-effect relationships within the study population showed no detectable associations of symptoms with tenure. There was an apparent association of pulmonary function and tenure. Seven workers (2.5%) had category 1 pneumoconiosis (three rounded opacities, two irregular opacities, and one with both rounded and irregular). The study population was also compared to a nonexposed "blue-collar" population. After indirect adjustment for age, race, and smoking, the study population had elevated prevalences of cough, phlegm, and wheezing, but there was no association with tenure. Dyspnea showed a dose-response trend but no apparent increase in prevalence. Mean percent predicted pulmonary function of the study population was greater than 100%, i.e., elevated above the comparison population. These data show there is an apparent effect of diesel exhaust on pulmonary function but not chest radiographs. Respiratory symptoms are high compared to "blue-collar" workers, but there is no relationship with tenure.
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PMID:Epidemiological-environmental study of diesel bus garage workers: chronic effects of diesel exhaust on the respiratory system. 244 45

Phosphate mining and processing is a major industry in Jordan. In this study of 56 workers in this industry, there was significant occurrence of cough, chronic bronchitis, and abnormal spirometry among smokers (p less than 0.1). There was no correlation between the spirometry, A-aDO2, and chest x-ray changes in this occupational group. Smoking was noted to be more detrimental to these workers than was their occupational exposure. Many parameters must be examined when evaluating this pneumoconiosis.
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PMID:Lung functions in phosphate miners in Jordan: a pilot study. 278 17

A study of the health of 78 workers in an iron and steel foundry in Vancouver, British Columbia, was carried out and the results compared with those found in 372 railway repair yard workers who were not significantly exposed to air contaminants at work. The foundry workers were exposed to PepSet, which consists of diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) and phenol formaldehyde and their decomposition products as well as to silica containing particulates. A questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers, and chest radiography, allergy skin tests, pulmonary function tests, and methacholine inhalation tests were carried out as well as measurement levels of dust and MDI. Compared with the controls, the foundry workers had more respiratory symptoms and a significantly lower mean FEV1 and FEF25-75% after adjustments had been made for differences in age, height, and smoking habit. Three workers (4.8%) had radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis and 12 (18.2%) had asthma defined as presence of bronchial hyperreactivity, cough, and additional respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, chest tightness, or breathlessness. Sensitisation to MDI is probably the cause of asthma in these workers.
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PMID:Respiratory abnormalities among workers in an iron and steel foundry. 298 92

Gilsonite, a solidified hydrocarbon used in the manufacture of automotive body seam sealers, is mined only in the Uinta Basin of Eastern Utah and Western Colorado. Health effects of gilsonite dust exposure have not previously been published and exposure to gilsonite dust is not regulated. To examine potential respiratory health effects associated with gilsonite dust exposures, this cross-sectional study surveyed the 100 current male employees who had been exposed to gilsonite dust at 3 existing gilsonite companies. Total dust exposures up to 28 times the nuisance dust standard were found, and 5 of 99 (5%) workers had chest radiographs consistent with pneumoconiosis of low profusion. Increased prevalences of cough and phlegm were found in workers with high-exposure jobs, but no evidence for dust-related pulmonary function impairment was noted. To prevent pulmonary health effects, we recommend reducing dust exposures for those workers in jobs currently characterized by relatively high dust exposures.
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PMID:Respiratory health status of gilsonite workers. 357 87

Cough is a common symptom in the smoking and non-smoking patient seeking medical attention from the office-based physician. Often, a comprehensive history and physical examination suggest the correct diagnosis, and specific therapy can be directed to the underlying disease. A chest roentgenogram is an essential part of the workup; it may suggest tuberculosis, chronic fungal infection, bronchiectasis, or lung abscess. In addition, bronchogenic carcinoma, which is increasing in frequency in the population, has several common manifestations that can be recognized on the chest roentgenogram. Pulmonary function studies are often helpful in the workup of the patient with chronic cough. A pattern of obstructive lung disease is seen with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis. Diseases that cause lung fibrosis, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and pneumoconiosis, give a restrictive ventilatory defect. Bronchoprovocation testing can be helpful when baseline pulmonary function tests are normal and the diagnosis of postviral bronchitis or cough-variant asthma is suggested. If the bronchial inhalation challenge is negative, these diagnoses can be excluded. Chronic rhinosinusitis with associated postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of chronic cough and is often difficult to confirm because the physical examination and roentgenogram of the paranasal sinuses may be normal. In a great majority of patients with chronic cough, a diagnosis can be established by simple, clinical and laboratory procedures used in the outpatient setting.
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PMID:Chronic cough. Diagnosis and treatment. 384 18

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has reaffirmed the view that simple pneumoconiosis does not produce disability or shorten life. This is often true but, without overlooking the importance of chronic bronchitis, such conclusions are wrong in many instances.Chronic bronchitis is probably commoner in miners without pneumoconiosis than in those with it, and an uneven distribution of bronchitis may mask the effects of pneumoconiosis. Cough and sputum in a miner with pneumoconiosis are not always due to chronic bronchitis. Disability is usually judged on measurement of vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, factors which cannot be expected to be significantly altered by simple pneumoconiosis alone. Other tests may show abnormalities which lead to ventilation and perfusion inequalities and to an increase in the ventilatory cost of exercise. Focal emphysema, often a consequence of simple pneumoconiosis, develops slowly and its influence on disability is delayed.Disagreements arise because epidemiologists expect all lungs with simple pneumoconiosis react in the same way, and they want a quantitative relation between simple pneumoconiosis and emphysema before attributing one to the other.There are major difficulties in assessing disability but there is little justification for the regular application of the rule that if the results of ventilatory tests are normal disability is not present and if they are abnormal this is due to something other than simple pneumoconiosis.
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PMID:Disability and coal workers' pneumoconiosis. 427 9


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