Diseases of the airways and lungs.

Morgan-WK; Lapp-NL

Occupational Diseases, A Guide to Their Recognition, Revised Edition. Key MM, Henschel AF, Butler J, Ligs RN, Tabershaw IR, eds., Cincinnati, OH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1977 Jun; :102-121

00166929

Occupational respiratory diseases are discussed. The point at which particles are deposited in the airways depends on the aerodynamic properties of the particle, the circumference and shape of the airway, and the breathing pattern of the individual. The deposition of inhaled dust in the central airways of the lung may cause immunologically induced airways constriction such as asthma, pharmacologically induced airways constriction such as byssinosis, acute irritation and reflex bronchoconstriction, or nonspecific response to dust such as chronic bronchitis. Inhalation of organic dusts may cause two distinct pulmonary responses: that mediated by reaginic antibody or the type that affects the lung parenchyma. Clinical features of the condition are similar no matter what antigen is responsible. Eliminating exposure to the antigen can prevent the development or recurrence of the disease. Personal protection can be provided through the use of respirators. Pathological and immunological findings during the course of these diseases are described. Pneumoconiosis arises from the deposition of dust in the lungs. Specifics are given concerning coalworkers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, and mixed dust pneumoconiosis. The use of radiographic findings in establishing diagnoses is considered.

NIOSH-Author; Dust-inhalation; Physiological-function; X-ray-diagnosis; Occupational-respiratory-disease; Lung-disorders; Occupational-exposure; Lung-irritants; Allergic-reactions; Bronchial-asthma; Clinical-diagnosis

19770601

Book or book chapter

Key-MM; Henschel-AF; Butler-J; Ligo-RN; Tabershaw-IR

1977

Contract-099-73-0090

Occupational Diseases, A Guide to Their Recognition, Revised Edition

OH