https://blacklunglaw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/What_are_the_symptoms_of_Black_Lung_Dise.mp4 There are a number of symptoms of black lung and they vary depending on the progression of the disease. There are cases where people with black lung do not have any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However these people will generally be more likely to develop respiratory tract infections like bronchitis. The early period of the disease is referred to as asymptomatic anthracosis. Individuals with this condition will develop shortness of breath and chronic coughing over time. Some of the other symptoms at this point will include: Increased production of sputum or mucus Obstruction of the airways Pulmonary hypertension Pain while breathing If the condition is left untreated or there is continued exposure to mine dust it will progress and further complications will come about. This will include the production of black mucus and coughing up of blood. The damage that is done to the lungs will also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease chronic bronchitis respiratory failure and lung cancer. What Are The Risk Factors? Asbestos fibres have been widely used in fireproofing insulation and textile manufacturing because it is resistant to heat and very durable. A primary component of dust from rock and sand is crystalline silica and certain workers are exposed to this. These workers will include foundry workers stonemasons sandblasters and miners. The risk factors for silicosis will include a high exposure rate to silica as well as a longer exposure time. Lower levels of exposure for a prolonged period of time will often lead to chronic simple silicosis. This results in many small areas of inflammation to form in the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Coal miners are at an increased risk of inhaling coal dust which contains carbon particles. They could also be exposed to dust containing silica because this mining will drill through silica-containing rock. Workers who have been exposed to graphite dust also have a higher risk of pneumoconiosis similar to CWP. CWP will also have small areas of inflammation in the lungs like silicosis but it has the potential of becoming PMF in some patients. Berylliosis or chronic beryllium disease is another work-related lung condition that is considered to be pneumoconiosis. Beryllium is a lightweight and very strong metal which is commonly used in the nuclear power electronics and aerospace industries. The chronic disease is caused by the inhaling airborne beryllium during the processing of the material. There is some other less common mineral dust which can also cause lung conditions including talc aluminium oxide and cobalt. When You Should See A Doctor If you have had any exposure to silica coal dust asbestos or any other mineral dust and have respiratory symptoms you need to see your doctor. Check here. The post What are the symptoms of black lung? appeared first on Black Lung Law. via Black Lung Law https://blacklunglaw.com.au/2019/05/02/what-are-the-symptoms-of-black-lung/