Diseases of the lungs, bronchi and pleura (pulmonology)

Silicosis

Silicosis is caused by inhalation of uncrystallized silica dust and is characterized by nodular pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic silicosis initially causes no symptoms or only mild dyspnea, but over years may progress to involve large lung volumes and lead to dyspnea, hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure.

Occupational bronchial asthma

Occupational asthma is a reversible airway obstruction that develops after months or years of sensitization to an allergen that a person encounters in the workplace. Symptoms of occupational asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and sometimes allergic symptoms of the upper respiratory tract.

Pneumoconioses of coal industry workers

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (anthracosis; black lung disease; miners' pneumoconiosis) is caused by inhalation of coal dust. Dust deposition results in accumulation of dust-laden macrophages around the bronchioles (coal macules), sometimes causing central bronchiolar emphysema.

Bissinosis

Byssinosis is a form of reactive airway disease characterized by bronchospasm in workers exposed to cotton, flax, and hemp. The etiologic cause is unknown.

Building-related lung diseases

Building-related lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of diseases whose causes are related to the environment of modern airtight buildings. Such buildings are characterized by sealed windows and dependence on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for air exchange.

Berylliosis

Acute and chronic berylliosis are caused by inhalation of dust or vapors of beryllium compounds and products. Acute berylliosis is now rare; chronic berylliosis is characterized by the formation of granulomas throughout the body, especially in the lungs, intrathoracic lymph nodes, and skin.

Pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the only known malignancy of the pleura, and almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis - asbestos-related lung diseases caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Diseases include asbestosis; lung cancer; formation of benign focal pleural lesions and thickening of the pleura; benign pleural effusions and malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the interstitium of the alveoli and air spaces.

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is characterized by rapid eosinophilic infiltration of the interstitial spaces of the lung.