Silicosis secondary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aparna Vuppala, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Following diagnosis, secondary prevention is the main approach for the management of patients with silicosis. Secondary prevention measures include avoidance of continued exposure, smoking cessation, routine medical surveillance, and administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.^[1]

Secondary Prevention

Avoidance of Continued Exposure

Avoidance of continued exposure to environments with high concentrations of silica is recommended.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking cessation is required to prevent further decline in respiratory function.

Routine Medical Surveillance

Patients should be recommended to routinely monitor the following:
- Chest x-ray
- Spirometry
- Sputum exam with acid fast bacilli (AFB) staining to screen for tuberculosis

Vaccine Administration

Patients diagnosed with silicosis should be advised to receive both the influenza and the pneumonoccal vaccine.

References

↑ Leung CC, Yu IT, Chen W (2012). “Silicosis”. Lancet. 379 (9830): 2008–18. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60235-9. PMID 22534002.

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[pmid22534002-1] Leung CC, Yu IT, Chen W (2012). “Silicosis”. Lancet. 379 (9830): 2008–18. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60235-9. PMID 22534002.

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