Black lung disease

Black lung disease is a common name for a lung disease that develops from inhaling coal dust. This name comes from the fact that those with the disease have lungs that look black instead of pink. It is a type of pneumoconiosis called coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). There are two forms: simple CWP and complicated CWP, which also involves progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).

The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust into the lungs increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How severe black lung disease is depends on the type of coal dust, how much dust was in the air, and how long you have been exposed to it.

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.

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 badly the lungs are damaged.

A person's work history is very important to the diagnosis of black lung disease. If a person has not been exposed to coal dust, they cannot have the disease. The work history should include not only recent and past full-time employment, but also summer jobs, student jobs, military history, and short-term jobs.

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.

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.