What is black lung disease?

Black lung disease is a common name for a lung disease that develops from inhaling coal dust. It is caused by working closely with coal, such as in a mine or mill. You might hear it called coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Many people don't have symptoms. People with black lung disease may get symptoms of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). These may include a cough, sputum (mucus), and shortness of breath.

Your doctor may diagnose black lung disease by asking about your past work and doing a chest X-ray or CT scan. Lung function tests may be used to check how well your lungs are working.

There is no cure for black lung disease. But your doctor may give you medicines and treatments to help your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

As black lung disease progresses and is complicated by progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), symptoms can get worse and affect your quality of life. You may have other problems too. These include COPD and right-sided heart failure(cor pulmonale).

Many people don't have symptoms. People with black lung disease may get symptoms of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). These may include a cough, sputum (mucus), and shortness of breath.

There is no cure for black lung disease, although problems caused by it can be treated. You may take medicines and have treatments to help your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Black lung disease may be prevented by controlling coal dust and having good ventilation in the workplace.

Black lung disease is diagnosed through getting a person's work history and doing a chest X-ray or CT scan. Lung function tests may be used to determine how well your lungs are working.

There are things you can do to limit the risks from black lung disease. If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking may add to lung damage and lead to COPD. Stop or reduce your exposure to coal dust as much as you can. Changing jobs may be an option for some people.

Black lung disease is a common name for a lung disease that develops from inhaling coal dust. You may also hear it called coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). There are two forms: simple CWP and complicated CWP, which also involves progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).