It is caused by inhalation of fine free crystalline silicon dioxide dust or quarts particles.
Silica is the most fibrogenic dust and causes the development of hard nodules, which coalesce as the disease progresses. These nodules are 3-4mm in diameter. Patients with silicosis are prone to pulmonary tuberculosis, a condition called silicotuberculosis.
Sign and symptoms:
- Cough
- Dyspnoea
- Chest pain
Radiology:
On CXR,it shows snow storm appearance of lungs.The hilar shadows may be enlarged and eggshell calcification in hilar nodes is a feature of this disease.
