Black lung disease; Pneumoconiosis; Anthrosilicosis
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.
For additional resources, see lung disease support group.
The outcome for the simple form is usually good. In rare cases, the complicated form may get suddently worse. It rarely causes disability or death.
Complications may include:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1758-1763.
Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:694-697.