Abstract
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) is defined as the non-neoplastic reaction of the lung to inhaled coal-mine dust. It is characterized by nodular and/or coalescent opacities on chest X-ray. Symptoms are usually limited to dyspnea in advanced stages of the disease. Computed tomography better defines radiological abnormalities. Simple CWP has no significant effect on spirometric measures, whereas lung function in the more advanced stages of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) shows an obstructive and restrictive pattern. Pathologically, simple CWP is associated with the macular and nodular lesions, whereas complicated CWP is associated with PMF (opacity lesion of 1 cm in diameter or more) and the lesions of rheumatoid pneumoconiosis. No specific treatment affects the course of CWP, though treatment options are available for complications such as tuberculosis and chronic hypoxemia. Supportive care includes bronchodilators in patients with obstructive syndrome, routine vaccination, antibiotics for exacerbations, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
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