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.
Silicosis secondary prevention
Introduction
Overview
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
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
References
- ↑ Leung CC, Yu IT, Chen W (2012). “Silicosis”. Lancet. 379 (9830): 2008–18. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60235-9. PMID 22534002.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aparna Vuppala, M.B.B.S. [2]