Acute Silicosis - Five Vital Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor

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If you have been diagnosed with acute silicosis, you may wish to discuss the following five questions with your physician:

1. My report says "Silicoproteinosis." What type of condition is this?
Silicoproteinosis is another name for acute silicosis. It is a lung condition and generally seen as an occupational disease that develops from inhaling fine silicon dust in large quantities. The fine particles deposit in the air passage and bronchioles of the lungs. As a defense, the lungs inflame and are filled with fluid making breathing difficult. Silicosis or Potter’s Rot is one of several types (simple chronic, accelerated and acute), of the condition and acute silicosis is a variant. The disease is common with those working near silicon mining sites or in hardware manufacturing firms. It is also reported in employees of companies engaging in site work of demolishing, constructing, sand blasting, vitreous enameling, and glass and ceramic manufacturing, clay production and rock milling, etc. People who reside close to such activities may also suffer from acute silicosis.

2. Besides this stubborn cough that I am experiencing, is there likelihood I will face other symptoms? What could they be?
That depends on the severity of your condition. Acute silicosis also is known to present shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fever, chest pain, possible weight loss, weakness and may lead to respiratory failure. In its advanced stages, there can be bluish appearance of skin due to respiratory insufficiency and the emergence of a secondary derivative condition called Cor Pulmanale.

3. Is this infectious? I have a family with children and a husband living with me.
Acute silicosis is not infectious and unless body fluids of the person are ingested by accident, it will not spread. However, it would be good if your family moves away from any of the aforementioned risky areas if you reside there.

4. Will I be undergoing any other tests besides the chest X-ray I have undergone to confirm diagnosis or during treatment?
This depends upon the doctor and how he gauges the acuity of your condition. The other diagnostic tests recommended for testing acute silicosis are a Pulmonary Function Test using a Peak Flow Meter and a test for tuberculosis (Purified Protein Derivative Skin Test).

5. Will there be any invasive surgery involved in the treatment?
Unless the damage is severe to the lungs, invasive procedures are not usually used. In severe cases of acute silicosis, the doctor may prescribe a lung transplant to replace infected and damaged tissue. He may also ask for a whole-lung lavage.

ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com

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