Black Lung Disease
#60
Recently, in history class, I learned about the importance of coal to everyday life and how it was a crucial part of the workforce during the Industrial Revolution.
Well, black lung disease, also called coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, is a disease that causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs due to breathing in coal dust over a prolonged period. Around 16% of coal workers are affected by this disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of black lung disease can take years to develop and may get worse over time. Some symptoms include persistent cough, coughing up black mucus, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, pain when breathing, and difficulty exercising.
Treatment
Although nothing can reverse the damage done to the lungs, certain actions can be taken to improve symptoms. Some examples include avoiding further exposure to coal dust and other irritants (e.g., smoking), pulmonary rehabilitation, and taking certain medicines.
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