Symptoms of Silica Dust Exposure

What Are The Symptoms of Silica Dust Exposure?

When the tiny particles of silica are inhaled into the lungs they can remain there indefinitely, causing a range of issues. In some cases the dust is inhaled in tiny amounts over the course of many years, whereas in others, people can be exposed to large volumes of the dust at one time.

The most common symptom when the dust has been inhaled is a cough – the lungs’ natural response to rid them of any foreign object, such as dust particles. In cases where large amounts of the dust are inhaled, a cough is the body’s best way to clear the lungs, in the same way as we cough if we inhale smoke or noxious vapours. However in long term cases the cough is not so much an evacuation, but a sign that the lungs have become damaged and are not working as they should. 

When the silica dust remains within the lungs the inflammation that it can cause can reduce the effectiveness of the lungs, making it more difficult to breathe efficiently and causing a shortness of breath for long periods of time, particularly after any form of exercise, whether strenuous – such as participating in sports, or even climbing stairs or walking about.

As the effectiveness of the lungs decreases due to the dust that has been inhaled, a general sense of weakness and tiredness can be common among those who have inhaled silica dust. In cases where treatment is not sought early enough, there is the risk of death through respiratory failure, although it is rare that the ides ease gets to this stage without any medical intervention.

One of the challenges faced by doctors when patients arrive presenting these symptoms is that they can often be attributed to other causes. On this basis it is of paramount importance that if you have worked in a job or location where you are likely to have inhaled silica dust, that you inform your doctor immediately, so that they can take appropriate steps to diagnose any issues correctly. If you tell your doctor that you have worked around silica dust he or she is likely to perform tests on your breathing and pay more attention to the potential lung issues that the dust might have caused.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Silica Dust Exposure claim – either by calling us free on 0800 028 2060, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

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