Symptoms of Silicosis

What Are The Symptoms of Silicosis?

The symptoms of Silicosis can appear at any time from a few weeks to many years after exposure to silica dust. Typically symptoms get worse over time as the damage caused by the dust manifests itself, however for many sufferers there are no symptoms at all until the disease has taken hold. One of the challenges faced with the symptoms of Silicosis is that they are shared with many other lung conditions and other diseases.

The most common first sign is the development of a cough. We’ve all suffered with a cough of some sort at some point in our lives and so we are more than aware that it is not only a symptom of silicosis, it can also be just a cough. However if a cough becomes persistent it is always worth getting checked out by your doctor to ensure it is nothing more sinister.

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a variety of lung conditions, but with Silicosis it occurs as a result of the scarring within the air sacs in the lungs, making it more difficult for the lungs to expand and contract and hence making breathing harder work.

In some cases this can lead to tachypnoea; a laboured, rapid style of breathing when the body is fighting to get oxygen into the bloodstream and so takes many short breaths to try and take in air.

Chest pain is a common symptom, particularly of Acute Silicosis, again as a result of the scarring within the lungs. This sharp pain can often arrive suddenly, and alongside a shortness of breath can often be mistaken for heart trouble. If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should visit your doctor and be properly tested.

Excessive phlegm production is more common with Chronic Silicosis than other types but is also synonymous with other lung conditions such as Bronchitis. Another similarity are the sounds created by the lungs during breathing; wheezing or crackling can sometimes be heard during lung function tests. This is caused by the scarring of the lungs making them less malleable than they should be.

When our lungs don’t work effectively there are a range of issues that can occur over time. A feeling of general weakness is a frequent effect as the body cannot take in enough oxygen to operate normally. The swelling of legs and the discolouration of extremities such as fingers and toes happen as a result of the lack of oxygenation of the blood – sometimes even the lips of a sufferer may take on a bluish tinge.

While many of these symptoms can be shared with other lung conditions and diseases, it is paramount to understand that these conditions can occur alongside Silicosis, or indeed as a result of it. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an umbrella term describing a range of progressive lung disorders that include Emphysema, Bronchitis and Bronchiectasis, all of which can occur as a result of the damage caused to the lungs by silica, and indeed Silicosis. Those who suffer from Silicosis also find themselves at a higher risk of developing Tuberculosis (TB). Historically this was known as a killer disease, but since drugs have been developed to treat it survival rates are now far higher than before. However, the development of TB in someone already suffering from Silicosis can bring complications that severely affect their quality of life. Silicosis can also lead to the development of lung cancer which, while sometimes treatable, usually has fatal results.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Silicosis claim – either by calling us free on 0800 999 1875, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

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