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Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis, caused by breathing in silica dust. It usually develops many years after exposure to silica dust.
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Causes of silicosis
Silica dust is naturally found in many types of rock, sand and soil. When silica dust enters the lungs, it can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. This eventually leads to scarring in the lungs – or pulmonary fibrosis.
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Silicosis usually develops 10-20 years after exposure to silica dust, so you may not notice any symptoms until long after your exposure. People who are exposed at work are at higher risk of developing the condition. If your job involves cutting, chipping or grinding any kind of stone, you may breathe in silica dust. Industries at risk of silicosis include construction, mining, quarrying, demolition, sand blasting, stone masonry, worktop manufacturing and fitting, tiling, pottery, ceramics and glass.
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Symptoms of silicosis
Silicosis symptoms include breathlessness, cough and tiredness. Find more about pulmonary fibrosis and its symptoms.
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Treatments for silicosis
Silicosis cannot be cured. However, pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen therapy may help improve your quality of life. It is important to limit your exposure to silica dust if you’re still working. You may want to ask for help with stopping smoking if you smoke.
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Ongoing treatment
You’ll have regular appointments with your medical team to review your silicosis progression, and decide on your treatments.
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Outlook for silicosis
Pulmonary fibrosis caused by silica dust usually progresses very slowly over many years. But if you smoke or have smoked, the progression may be faster. Silicosis is not usually fatal in the UK. Silicosis complications include pulmonary hypertension, COPD and lung cancer.
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Information on forms of pulmonary fibrosis
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Get support
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Join a support group in your area
It’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are now over 90 pulmonary fibrosis support groups around the country.
Support groups meet informally to share experiences, provide expert information and raise funds and awareness. Find a group near you.
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Call our support line
APF runs an email and telephone support line offering information and advice about living with PF. Find out more.
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Find us on social media
We have an active and supportive online community ready to welcome you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates, news and connections to our online community.
Watch videos of how other people cope day to day with PF.
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Our website and resources provide general information only. We cannot provide medical advice, treatment or prescriptions, nor can we assess/decide what services or clinicians you should be referred to. Support with these matters will need to be provided by your existing healthcare professional teams.
APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on our website or in our resources.
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