Condition Lookup

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; fever; chills; fatigue; loss of appetite; wheezing; weight loss (in chronic cases)

Root Cause:
Immune-mediated inflammation of the alveoli and small airways caused by repeated exposure to inhaled organic particles (e.g., mold, bird droppings, farming dust) or chemical antigens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed exposure history, chest imaging (CT scan showing ground-glass opacities or fibrosis in chronic cases), pulmonary function tests, blood tests for specific antibodies, and sometimes lung biopsy.

Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure to causative antigens, use of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation, and supportive measures like oxygen therapy for severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are the mainstay of treatment to control inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil may be used in chronic or refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalence varies widely depending on exposure risk, with higher rates among farmers, bird breeders, and people working in moldy environments.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repeated exposure to known antigens (e.g., bird droppings, mold, farming dust), genetic predisposition, and inadequate ventilation in work or home environments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early diagnosis and avoidance of triggers lead to good outcomes; chronic exposure can cause irreversible lung damage and progressive fibrosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and reduced quality of life.

Asbestosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumoconiosis

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; persistent dry cough; chest pain or tightness; clubbing of fingers; loss of appetite; unexplained weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
Chronic lung inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through a history of asbestos exposure, chest X-rays or CT scans showing pleural plaques and interstitial fibrosis, and pulmonary function tests.

Treatment:
Treated with supportive care, including smoking cessation, oxygen therapy, and managing complications like lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Medications:
Corticosteroids and bronchodilators may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Antifibrotic medications such as pirfenidone or nintedanib may also be considered to slow progression.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, but more common in individuals with occupational asbestos exposure, particularly in construction, shipbuilding, or mining industries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged occupational exposure to asbestos, living near asbestos mines, smoking (which worsens the effects of asbestos exposure).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally progressive, but disease severity depends on exposure level. Symptoms may stabilize with proper care, though lung function may continue to decline.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, chronic respiratory failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Occupational Asthma

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; cough; symptoms worsening at work and improving during time off

Root Cause:
Inflammation and narrowing of the airways caused by exposure to allergens or irritants in the workplace, such as dust, fumes, chemicals, or animal proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed occupational history, pulmonary function tests (spirometry and peak expiratory flow monitoring), allergen-specific tests, and possibly a methacholine challenge test.

Treatment:
Avoidance of workplace triggers, use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, and implementing workplace safety measures (e.g., masks, ventilation).

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) for quick relief, long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol ) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone or budesonide ) for maintenance, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast ) to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occupational asthma accounts for up to 15% of all adult asthma cases in industrialized countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Workplace exposure to allergens (e.g., animal dander, latex, flour), irritants (e.g., smoke, fumes, dust), or specific chemicals (e.g., isocyanates, cleaning agents), and having a history of allergies or asthma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and removal from exposure, symptoms can improve or resolve; delayed diagnosis or continued exposure may lead to persistent asthma and long-term lung damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic asthma, reduced lung function, job loss due to inability to work in certain environments, and diminished quality of life.

Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumoconiosis

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; persistent cough; chest tightness; progressive fatigue; black-colored sputum (rare); unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Lung inflammation and scarring caused by inhalation of coal dust over an extended period, leading to coal macules and progressive fibrosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by occupational history, chest imaging showing coal macules or nodules, and pulmonary function tests.

Treatment:
Treated with supportive care, smoking cessation, and managing complications such as progressive massive fibrosis or respiratory failure.

Medications:
Bronchodilators and corticosteroids may be prescribed to ease breathing difficulties. Antifibrotic therapies are being researched. Antibiotics may be used for secondary infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common among coal miners, particularly those with long-term exposure to high levels of coal dust. Prevalence has declined in regulated industries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged exposure to coal dust, working in poorly ventilated mines, inadequate use of respiratory protective equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive, with the severity ranging from simple pneumoconiosis (milder) to progressive massive fibrosis (severe). Early diagnosis and cessation of exposure can improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, respiratory failure, and increased risk of lung infections.

Acute and Chronic Beryllium Disease

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; chest pain; fatigue; fever; weight loss; night sweats; skin rash (in some cases)

Root Cause:
Exposure to beryllium, a lightweight metal found in certain industries (e.g., aerospace, electronics, and nuclear sectors), triggers an immune-mediated response. Acute beryllium disease results from high-level exposure causing chemical pneumonitis, while chronic beryllium disease (CBD) arises from prolonged low-level exposure leading to granulomatous inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed occupational history, chest imaging (e.g., X-rays or CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), which detects sensitization to beryllium. Bronchoscopy with biopsy may be used to confirm granulomatous inflammation.

Treatment:
Acute cases typically involve supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and avoiding further exposure. Chronic beryllium disease is treated with corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation and immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases. Pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen may also be necessary.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation in chronic beryllium disease. Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate or azathioprine ) - Prescribed in cases where corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) - Used to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing and airway constriction. Supplemental oxygen - Not a medication but often required in advanced disease stages to improve oxygenation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The exact prevalence is unknown but primarily affects workers exposed to beryllium, with approximately 2-10% of exposed individuals developing sensitization and a smaller subset progressing to chronic beryllium disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged occupational exposure to beryllium, genetic predisposition (HLA-DPB1 gene mutations), inadequate workplace safety measures, smoking, and pre-existing lung conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute beryllium disease has a good prognosis with prompt removal from exposure and treatment, while chronic beryllium disease is a lifelong condition with variable progression. Early detection and management can improve quality of life, but severe cases may lead to respiratory failure or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, progressive lung dysfunction, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure due to lung disease), and increased risk of infections due to impaired lung function.

Smoke Inhalation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; soot in the mouth or nose; wheezing; burning sensation in the throat or chest; confusion or altered mental state (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Inhalation of smoke, which can contain toxic gases, particulates, and chemicals that cause irritation, damage to the respiratory system, and inflammation in the airways and lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a patient's history of exposure to smoke, physical examination, and symptoms. Imaging such as chest X-ray or CT scan may be used to assess lung damage. Blood gases may be taken to evaluate respiratory function.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy to improve oxygen levels. Bronchodilators to open airways. Steroids to reduce inflammation. Supportive care including fluids and monitoring in severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol , salbutamol) to relax the muscles of the airways and improve airflow. These are beta-agonists that act as bronchodilators. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) to reduce inflammation in the airways. Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs frequently in fire-related incidents, with thousands of cases annually. It can also affect individuals who work in industries with high exposure to smoke, such as firefighting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to high levels of smoke (e.g., during fires). Occupations involving exposure to smoke (e.g., firefighting). Pre-existing respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis can vary depending on the severity of inhalation and lung damage. Mild cases generally recover fully with treatment, while severe cases may result in long-term lung damage and even death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure. Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD). Infections due to weakened immune system or lung damage.

Chemical Inhalation (e.g., ammonia, chlorine)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; chest tightness; burning sensation in the throat, nose, or eyes; watery eyes or conjunctivitis; nausea or vomiting; wheezing or stridor (if airway is affected)

Root Cause:
Inhalation of toxic chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine leads to direct irritation of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and potentially chemical burns to the airway and lung tissue.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed history of exposure, clinical examination, and lung function tests. Imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to detect any structural damage. Blood gases may be assessed to evaluate oxygenation.

Treatment:
Removal from the source of exposure. Oxygen therapy to support breathing. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) to relieve wheezing and bronchospasm. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Supportive care for more severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) are prescribed to relieve bronchospasm. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) to control inflammation. Antibiotics if secondary infection develops in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Chemical inhalation injuries are relatively rare but occur in industrial settings, accidents, or exposure to household products. Ammonia and chlorine are common in industrial accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupations involving chemicals (e.g., industrial workers, cleaners). Accidental chemical spills or exposure. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Proximity to hazardous materials or inadequate ventilation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure. Mild exposures often resolve without long-term effects, but severe cases may result in permanent lung damage or even death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory problems (e.g., asthma-like symptoms). Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chemical burns to the airway.