Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Baritosis
Introduction
Baritosis is a benign type of pneumoconiosis, which is caused by deposition of inhaled barium dust in the lungs. The barium particles can be seen as opaque shadows on the chest X-rays of people with baritosis. However, this is a benign condition; it neither interferes with lung function nor causes symptoms. After exposure to barium dust ceases, the X-ray abnormalities gradually resolve.
References
- Doig AT. Baritosis: a benign pneumoconiosis. Thorax. 1976 Feb;31(1):30-9. PMID 1257935