If you have been diagnosed with acute silicosis, you may wish to discuss the following five questions with your physician:
1. My report says "Silicoproteinosis." What type of condition is this?
Silicoproteinosis is another name for acute silicosis. It is a lung condition and generally seen as an occupational disease that develops from inhaling fine silicon dust in large quantities. The fine particles deposit in the air passage and bronchioles of the lungs. As a defense, the lungs inflame and are filled with fluid making breathing difficult. Silicosis or Potter’s Rot is one of several types (simple chronic, accelerated and acute), of the condition and acute silicosis is a variant. The disease is common with those working near silicon mining sites or in hardware manufacturing firms. It is also reported in employees of companies engaging in site work of demolishing, constructing, sand blasting, vitreous enameling, and glass and ceramic manufacturing, clay production and rock milling, etc. People who reside close to such activities may also suffer from acute silicosis.
2. Besides this stubborn cough that I am experiencing, is there likelihood I will face other symptoms? What could they be?
That depends on the severity of your condition. Acute silicosis also is known to present shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fever, chest pain, possible weight loss, weakness and may lead to respiratory failure. In its advanced stages, there can be bluish appearance of skin due to respiratory insufficiency and the emergence of a secondary derivative condition called Cor Pulmanale.
3. Is this infectious? I have a family with children and a husband living with me.
Acute silicosis is not infectious and unless body fluids of the person are ingested by accident, it will not spread. However, it would be good if your family moves away from any of the aforementioned risky areas if you reside there.
4. Will I be undergoing any other tests besides the chest X-ray I have undergone to confirm diagnosis or during treatment?
This depends upon the doctor and how he gauges the acuity of your condition.