$Unique_ID{BRK01350}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How do Emphysema and Black Lung Compare?}
$Subject{black lungs coal workers respiratory system rare diseases emphysemas
occupational lung disease coal workers' pneumoconiosis cwp anthracosis work
macules bronchi focal dust emphysema alveoli miners fibrosis silicosis macule
breathing cough sputum bronchioles bronchial occupation alveolus miner breathe
breath coughing}
$Volume{H-5, N-5}
$Log{
Cross Section of the Lung*0005901.scf
Anatomy of the Bronchial Tree*0005902.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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 material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
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.