pulmonary disorders
Beryllium Disease
Introduction
Acute and chronic beryllium disease are caused by inhalation of dust or fumes from beryllium compounds and products. Acute beryllium disease is now rare; chronic beryllium disease is characterized by the formation of granulomas especially in the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. The presentation of chronic beryllium disease is often similar to that of pulmonary Sarcoidosis , with progressive dyspnea, cough, and fatigue, and can be misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis without a comprehensive occupational and environmental history. Diagnosis is made by history and diagnostic testing. Treatment is similar to pulmonary sarcoidosis. (See also Overview of Environmental and Occupational Pulmonary Diseases .) 