Types and Stages of Silicosis

The Different Types / Stages Of Silicosis

There are three main types of Silicosis, all three share similarities such as damaging the lining of the air sacs within the lungs. This can lead to scarring within the lungs causing them to stiffen and hence not function as efficiently as those in people without the condition.

Acute Silicosis

Sometimes referred to as Silicoproteinosis, this type of the condition can cause coughing, weight loss and fatigue and generally occurs within a few weeks or years of exposure to silica dust. In this form the lungs become inflamed and can fill with fluid. This causes severe shortness of breath and, as a result, very low blood-oxygenation levels. This form can also lead to sharp chest pains and even a fever.

Chronic Silicosis

In this form the silica dust can cause swelling within the lungs but also the chest lymph nodes and is usually a result of long-term exposure to low levels or low concentrations of the dust. These cases normally present between 10 and 30 years after the first exposure to the silica. In the early stages patients often do not show any symptoms, but when examined by X-ray it is common to see small light areas, generally within the upper lung area. Coughing and shortness of breath are common as the disease develops.

Accelerated Silicosis

This aggressive form of the disease commonly occurs as a result of high levels of exposure to silica dust and usually develops within ten years of significant exposure. Symptoms are similar to those of Chronic Silicosis but they happen earlier and tend to progress far faster than the chronic type. Patients suffering from Accelerated Silicosis find themselves at far greater risk of complications including the development of Progressive Massive Fibrosis: large fibrous growths within the lungs. Symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath are sometimes clear early signs, although a proper diagnosis from doctor or lung specialist is the best way to find out which type someone might be suffering from.

In addition to these three main types, there is a further variety called Complicated Silicosis. This occurs when the scarred areas combine into larger areas, and also when Silicosis is recognised alongside other issues such as Tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, fungal infections and also lung cancer. The symptoms and outcome are more similar to Accelerated, rather than Chronic or Acute Silicosis, and there is as yet no cure available.

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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