Silicosis Treatment

There is no cure for silicosis, but there are treatment options available to address disease symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath and weakness. These can drastically improve patients’ quality of life. In very rare cases, a lung transplant can extend survival and improve quality of life.

Silicosis is permanent, irreversible lung damage from long-term exposure to silica dust. Removing the source of silica exposure can protect against further damage and avoid exacerbation of symptoms.

Supportive or palliative treatments for silicosis manage specific symptoms. Relieving symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath can improve comfort.
Bronchodilators, for example, can make breathing easier. There are three main types of bronchodilators: Beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics that are typically administered with an inhaler and Theophylline, which is a tablet.

Individual patients may benefit from a combination of these treatments depending on displayed symptoms and their severity. Care also includes fighting secondary infections and reducing risks of complications. Avoiding respiratory illnesses is particularly critical in silicosis patients whose lung function is already compromised.

Eliminating exposure to silica dust can help prevent further damage and lessen the disease’s progression. Workplace protections such as wearing respirators and avoiding bringing home dust-covered clothing and gear can help limit silica dust exposure for workers and their families.

Whole Lung Lavage

Whole lung lavage is a procedure that uses a saline solution to flush out the lungs. Sometimes called lung washing, it removes debris and damaged cells from within the lungs.

Patients receive general anesthesia during the procedure. A pulmonary specialist then inserts a thin tube into one lung. Using a bronchoscope to view the lung’s interior, saline solution is added to bathe the lung. The fluid is collected as it drains to ensure its complete removal.

Because general anesthesia is used, it’s typically preferred to perform whole lung lavage on both lungs at once. Patients may experience coughing as the lungs finish clearing and need supplemental oxygen for a few days after the procedure.

Studies have shown whole lung lavage to be effective for short-term symptom relief, though more research is needed. One research team in Australia is currently looking at using whole lung lavage to rinse silica crystals from the lungs of affected individuals as a possible early-stage silicosis treatment.

Medications

Physicians use several medications to address silicosis. Many of these were originally developed to treat other types of lung disease or fibrosis. Because they continue to demonstrate effectiveness in treating silicosis, they’re widely used.

Silicosis medications can disrupt the scarring process from silica dust in the lungs. Doctors weigh each patient’s medical history and overall health before choosing an appropriate treatment.

Patients may be treated with one or more of these medications. These treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in helping to improve lung function and slow disease progression.

Lung Transplant Surgery

Lung transplant surgery is a well-established treatment option for several late-stage lung diseases. It can be an effective treatment for some eligible patients with end-stage silicosis.

During the procedure, a surgeon removes a patient’s lungs and replaces them with healthy donor lungs. While avoiding silica dust exposure will protect the new lungs from developing silicosis, conditions specific to the disease, such as excess bleeding and unstable blood flow, may complicate the procedure and recovery process.

Lung transplantation is a complex procedure that comes with many risks and a complex set of requirements that recipients must adhere to for the rest of their lives. Patients must be fully aware of the risks and requirements before committing to the procedure.

Lifestyle changes can be an effective natural silicosis treatment. Quitting smoking can greatly improve lung function and a nutritious diet can benefit overall health. Because silicosis limits lung function, patients should always discuss any new exercise program with their doctor before starting.

Limited animal studies show some natural compounds might slow fibrosis, for example, an orchid extract (bletilla striata polysaccharide), amino acids, flavonoids and oleanolic acid (in olive and grapeseed oils). However, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as medications and cautions: “Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements are not FDA-approved to treat or prevent disease.”

Patients may explore natural remedies for a number of reasons, including the high cost of medical treatment. The economic impact of treatment and lost wages are leading a growing number of workers exposed to silica dust and diagnosed with silicosis to file silicosis lawsuits seeking financial compensation for silica exposure.

People diagnosed with silicosis are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis compared to the general public. Receiving a TB vaccine may reduce this risk.

Silica particles increase the replication of a bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that likely contributes to increased susceptibility to TB. Additionally, studies of rats with silicosis suggest silicosis severity negatively affects the ability to fight off TB infection.

Additional health risks associated with a silicosis diagnosis include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension. Patients should discuss concerns about these conditions with their healthcare provider to develop an appropriate preventative plan.