 | This article needs more
reliable medical references for
verification or relies too heavily on
primary sources. (November 2023) |  |
| Chalicosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Flint disease |
| Specialty | Respirology |
Chalicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis affecting the lungs or bronchioles, found mainly among stonecutters. [1] The disease is caused by the inhalation of fine particles of stone. [2] The term is from Greek, χάλιξ, gravel.
Risk factors
Occupations with significant exposure to stone dust are at an increased risk of chalicosis include:
- Miners [3] [1]
- Stone cutters and stone masons [3] [4]
- Quarry workers [3] [4]
- Pottery and porcelain casters [3] [1]
- Tunneller/tunnel workers [3]
- Foundry workers [3]
- Plasterers [4]
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chalicosis are slow to develop and thus patients may not show signs of incapacity until years after exposure. [4] It may even take up to 10 years before manifestations of the disorder are present. [3] Signs and symptoms include:
- Dyspnea (uncomfortable breathing sensation/shortness of breath) aggravated by exertion [3] [4]
- Chronic, non-productive cough [3]
- Expelled matter, such as phlegm, from the throat or lungs stained gray, black, or red [4]
- Wheezing [3]
- Loss of appetite [1]
- Fatigue [1]
- Emaciation [1]
- Soreness in stomach region [1]
- General malaise [1]
Treatment and Prevention
There is no definitive cure for chalicosis, [5] nor is there a specific targeted therapy. [3] Current treatment of this lung disorder primarily involves managing respiratory symptoms, associated comorbidities, and complications, with the overarching goal of enhancing the patient's quality of life. [5] [3] These include:
Acute pharmacotherapies
- Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that can be used for acute management of chalicotic symptoms. [3] [5]They are not recommended for chronic management. [3]
Chronic pharmacotherapies
- Whole lung lavage uses saline solution to wash out lodged particles in the lungs. [5]
- Bronchodilators dilate the bronchi and bronchioles to increase airflow to the lungs. [5] [3]
- Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen, often to prevent complications of chronic hypoxemia. [3] [5]
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is a therapeutic concept which utilizes a series of services to aid improved breathing. [5]
- Antifibrotics. [3]
- Smoking cessation. [3]
- Lung transplantation is a last resort in which one lung, both, or damaged lung tissue are replaced with a donor during a surgical procedure. [5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Betts, Wm. Winthrop (1900-01-13). "Chalicosis Pulmonum or Chronic Interstitial Pneumonia Induced by Stone Dust". JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. XXXIV (2): 70. doi: 10.1001/jama.1900.24610020006002a. ISSN 0098-7484.
- ^ "The Free Medical Dictionary:chalicosis".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Chalicosis". wikidoc. November 19, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Fine, M. James; Jaso, James V. (January 5, 1935). "Silicosis and primary carcinoma of the bronchus". JAMA. 104 (1): 40–43. doi: 10.1001/jama.1935.02760010042008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Kerkar, Pramod (October 4, 2014). "Chalicosis or Flint's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention". Epainassist - Useful Information for Better Health. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
