lung and airway disorders
Silicosis
Symptoms of Silicosis
Silicosis can be acute or chronic. Chronic silicosis is more common. People with acute silicosis experience shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue that progresses quickly. Respiratory Failure is common. Chronic silicosis often does not cause symptoms for years, but can progress to more severe disease. Many people with chronic silicosis develop difficulty breathing and cough over time. The lung damage can lead to lower levels of oxygen in the blood and can also strain the right side of the heart. This strain can lead to a type of heart failure called Pulmonary Hypertension , which can be fatal. 