$Unique_ID{BRK01350}
$Pretitle{Respiratory System, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{How do Emphysema and Black Lung Compare?}
$Subject{black lung coal workers}
$Volume{H-5, N-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How do Emphysema and Black Lung Compare?


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QUESTION:  You recently had an article on emphysema, that I found very
interesting.  A friend of mine has Black Lung and I would like to know how
these two diseases compare or are different.  Thank you for any information
you have on this.

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ANSWER:  This interesting condition received its name because of the color of
the lungs found on post-mortem examination in patients with the disease.  It
is one of a number of similar conditions grouped together under the
classification of Occupational Lung Disease.  It is also known as Coal
Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) or "anthracosis".  In this condition coal dust
is inhaled into the lungs where it becomes trapped forming "coal macules"
around the bronchi of the lungs.  Coal is not one of the dusts that lead to
the excessive formation of fibrotic or scar-like tissue in the lungs, and so
the structure and function of lung tissue is not greatly disturbed.  However
in some cases the accumulation of the dust causes the bronchioles to dilate,
giving rise to the name "focal dust emphysema" but contrasted to the emphysema
I discussed recently, this condition does not cause obstruction to the
airflow, and does not involve the alveoli (grape like air sacs) of the lung. A
complication of CWP that occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of miners is known as
progressive massive fibrosis, and this condition can cause extensive lung
damage and associated symptoms.  In many cases, the disease is complicated by
emphysema and obstructive lung disease from such causes as smoking.  Another
related disease known as "silicosis" is the result of breathing in particles
of silica dust, and is seen in such industries as hard coal mining, lead,
copper gold and silver mining, as well as foundries, pottery making, and
sandstone and granite cutting.  Fibrosis or scarring of the lung may be
extensive and breathing problems, cough and sputum production are
considerable.  There are no cures for these diseases and treatment is directed
at improving the flow of air, and reducing the amount of secretions that are
present in the lung.
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the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
