Treatment
There is no specific treatment for this disorder. You should avoid further exposure to the dust.
Support Groups
For additional resources, see lung disease support group.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse.
Complications
Complications may include:
- Cor pulmonale (failure of the right side of the heart)
- Lung Cancer
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Respiratory failure
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis.
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Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis : Treatment
Review Date : 4/24/2009
Reviewed By : Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
