pulmonary disorders
Coal Worker Pneumoconiosis
Treatment of Coal Worker Pneumoconiosis
Reduction of further exposure Supportive treatment Workers with more advanced coal worker pneumoconiosis, especially those with progressive massive fibrosis, should be restricted from further exposure. In early and mild disease, the impacts of job loss should be taken into account when considering removal from exposure. Treatment is directed toward the clinical manifestations of coal worker pneumoconiosis. Treatment is not indicated in early and asymptomatic coal worker pneumoconiosis. Workers with obstructive lung disease may benefit from treatment for COPD. Patients with pulmonary hypertension, hypoxemia, or both are given supplemental oxygen therapy. Pulmonary Rehabilitation can help more severely affected workers carry out activities of daily living. Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation should be considered in patients with progressive respiratory failure. Progression is common even after exposure ceases, so monitoring should continue in former coal miners. Medical surveillance can identify new or progressive radiologic findings that develop after exposure to coal dust ends. Smoking Cessation and surveillance for tuberculosis are recommended for all exposed workers. Patients with coal worker pneumoconiosis should stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, including those against 