Berylliosis lung disease is also called chronic beryllium disease. This is an occupational lung disease. The lungs, eyes, skin or blood may be affected. These effects may occur immediately or after long term exposure. Often, this is seen in people working in some occupations. This is mostly associated with beryllium mining or exposure to fluorescent light bulbs. This condition is incurable, but the symptoms can be treated.
Beryllium compounds are considered as harmful, particularly if they produce inhalable particles. If this is absorbed through the lungs or skin, beryllium may be stored in liver, spleen or bones and may lead to acute or chronic toxicity. Usually, single high dose exposure leads to acute toxic symptoms whereas constant low exposure leads to chronic beryllium disease.
Symptoms of Berylliosis
Following are the symptoms of berylliosis:
- Pulmonary granulomas in chronic cases due to long term exposure
- Coughing in chronic cases due to long term exposure
- Pulmonary inflammatory cells in chronic cases
- Pulmonary nodular accumulations in chronic cases
- Symptoms of respiratory diseases and disorders in acute cases
- Corneal lesions
- Clubbed finger nails
- Orthopnea with prolonged exposure
- Fever
- Cyanosis
- Enlarged lymph
- Hand rash beryllium allergy
- Neck rash beryllium allergy
- Arm and face rash beryllium allergy
- Allergic skin rashes
- Fatigue
Risk Factors for Berylliosis:
Risk factor is something that increases the chance of getting the condition or disease. Primary risk factor for berylliosis is working in beryllium processed areas. Industries which use beryllium include:
- Manufacturing of:
- Bicycle frames
- Microwaves
- Golf clubs
- Mirrors
- Scrap metal
- Dental alloy preparation
- Laboratory technologies
- Nuclear weapons and reactors
- Mining
- Fiber-optics
- Electronics
- Aerospace
Diagnosis for Berylliosis:
Health care provider checks the symptoms and medical history and performs the physical examination. Diagnostic tests include:
- Lung biopsy
- BeLPT (Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test). This test determines the allergic sensitivity to beryllium
- Pulmonary function test
- Chest X-ray
Chronic berylliosis symptoms appear after prolonged exposure to beryllium. Hence, people who are exposed to beryllium should undergo BeLPT tests, though they do not notice any symptoms.
Treatment for Berylliosis:
The most important step for managing berylliosis is to avoid further exposure to beryllium.
For chronic berylliosis, corticosteroids may be prescribed by the doctor if he notices any lung disease symptoms. However, these medicines does not reverse the lung scarring that has already occurred.
For acute berylliosis, corticosteroid may be prescribed, usually prednisone. These drugs help to reduce lung inflammation. Many patients recover completely with these medicines. In extreme cases, if not treated properly this can be fatal.
