Emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in coal miners. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2011 Mar;17(2):123-5
Date
12/24/2010Pubmed ID
21178627DOI
10.1097/MCP.0b013e3283431674Scopus ID
2-s2.0-79951675683 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 59 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coal mining remains a major industry that has workers at risk for developing chronic lung disease. Aside from simple coal workers' pneumoconiosis and progressive massive fibrosis, the development of emphysema and obstructive lung disease independent of smoking may be underappreciated. This article reviews more recent studies that may help rectify this faulty view.
RECENT FINDINGS: Cumulative exposure to coal dust is a significant risk factor for the development of emphysema and has an additive effect to smoking. Increased coal dust exposure is associated with increased risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In newly employed coal miners, bronchitic symptoms are associated with a rapid decline in lung function within 2 years after starting work. In evaluating impairment, the chest radiograph may be helpful as a marker of exposure but the diffusing capacity is most correlated with dyspnea, whereas the emphysema computed tomography score has good association with expiratory flow limitation.
SUMMARY: Latest studies further support the association of emphysema and COPD with coal dust exposure. Increased cumulative exposure may also increase risk of death from these diseases.
Author List
Santo Tomas LHAuthor
Linus John H Santo Tomas MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
BronchitisCoal
Coal Mining
Dust
Dyspnea
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Occupational Exposure
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Emphysema
Risk Factors
