Silicosiderosis

Silicosidrosis is a specific lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of dust containing silicon (Si). Silicosideros is the cause of fibrosis, the process of replacing normal lung tissue with connective tissue. Diagnosis of the disease is based on chest x-ray and blood tests. Treatment is prescribed taking into account the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient; it is carried out in a hospital setting and may include antibiotics and bronchodilators. Prevention of silicosis involves the use of dust respirators when working with dust containing Si, and regular medical examination by a pulmonologist for timely detection of initial signs of the disease.