The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases
Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease that occurs due to the inhalation of respirable crystalline silicon dioxide, or silica, typically encountered in occupational settings. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent, TB often coexists with silicosis and significantly increases the mortality r...
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Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Asian Journal of Medical Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://ajmsjournal.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/4502 |
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| author | Maria Jose Nagarjun S Abi G Sowmya P Nalini Jayanthi Nagesh |
| author_facet | Maria Jose Nagarjun S Abi G Sowmya P Nalini Jayanthi Nagesh |
| author_sort | Maria Jose |
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| description | Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease that occurs due to the inhalation of respirable crystalline silicon dioxide, or silica, typically encountered in occupational settings. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent, TB often coexists with silicosis and significantly increases the mortality rate among affected individuals. Educating workers in industries such as quarrying and sandblasting about the risks of occupational lung diseases is essential. This case series involves patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital with a history of occupational silica dust exposure. The study assessed their symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic workup. Patients who reported shortness of breath and cough, along with a history of prolonged exposure to silica, were included. Three of the silicotuberculosis cases had occupational risk factors such as stone cutting, work at construction sites, and borewell drilling. The final case developed silicosis due to chronic exposure to inorganic dust during activities such as tilling and plowing. Detailed histories and clinical examinations were recorded for all patients, who exhibited radiological signs consistent with silicotuberculosis. Although their sputum acid-fast bacillus smears were negative, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) GeneXpert tests confirmed the presence of TB. Anti-TB treatment was initiated for all four patients following microbiological confirmation. Active surveillance of workers exposed to silica, including spirometry, chest X-rays, and respiratory questionnaires, is vital both before and during employment. Workers involved in stone grinding and construction are at particular risk, as they are exposed to fine silica particles that commonly affect the distal airways and alveoli, leading to progressive massive fibrosis. This approach can substantially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with silicotuberculosis. The use of respiratory masks and ensuring proper ventilation in the workplace are key preventive measures against the onset of silicosis. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-650e7438fba7420ebfedaf5feef9441f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2467-9100 2091-0576 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Asian Journal of Medical Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-650e7438fba7420ebfedaf5feef9441f2025-08-20T03:49:13ZengManipal College of Medical Sciences, PokharaAsian Journal of Medical Sciences2467-91002091-05762025-05-01165152158https://doi.org/10.71152/ajms.v16i5.4502The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis casesMaria Jose 0https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2285-1575Nagarjun S 1https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4462-5359Abi G 2https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4136-3009Sowmya P 3https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1278-9960Nalini Jayanthi Nagesh 4https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4672-0578Postgraduate Resident, Department of Respiratory Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Postgraduate Resident, Department of Respiratory Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Senior Resident, Department of Respiratory Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Professor and Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease that occurs due to the inhalation of respirable crystalline silicon dioxide, or silica, typically encountered in occupational settings. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent, TB often coexists with silicosis and significantly increases the mortality rate among affected individuals. Educating workers in industries such as quarrying and sandblasting about the risks of occupational lung diseases is essential. This case series involves patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital with a history of occupational silica dust exposure. The study assessed their symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic workup. Patients who reported shortness of breath and cough, along with a history of prolonged exposure to silica, were included. Three of the silicotuberculosis cases had occupational risk factors such as stone cutting, work at construction sites, and borewell drilling. The final case developed silicosis due to chronic exposure to inorganic dust during activities such as tilling and plowing. Detailed histories and clinical examinations were recorded for all patients, who exhibited radiological signs consistent with silicotuberculosis. Although their sputum acid-fast bacillus smears were negative, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) GeneXpert tests confirmed the presence of TB. Anti-TB treatment was initiated for all four patients following microbiological confirmation. Active surveillance of workers exposed to silica, including spirometry, chest X-rays, and respiratory questionnaires, is vital both before and during employment. Workers involved in stone grinding and construction are at particular risk, as they are exposed to fine silica particles that commonly affect the distal airways and alveoli, leading to progressive massive fibrosis. This approach can substantially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with silicotuberculosis. The use of respiratory masks and ensuring proper ventilation in the workplace are key preventive measures against the onset of silicosis.https://ajmsjournal.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/4502silicosis; tuberculosis; occupational lung disease; progressive massive fibrosis; silicotuberculosis; pneumoconiosis |
| spellingShingle | Maria Jose Nagarjun S Abi G Sowmya P Nalini Jayanthi Nagesh The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases Asian Journal of Medical Sciences silicosis; tuberculosis; occupational lung disease; progressive massive fibrosis; silicotuberculosis; pneumoconiosis |
| title | The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| title_full | The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| title_fullStr | The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| title_full_unstemmed | The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| title_short | The covert struggle: Tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| title_sort | covert struggle tuberculosis amidst silicosis cases |
| topic | silicosis; tuberculosis; occupational lung disease; progressive massive fibrosis; silicotuberculosis; pneumoconiosis |
| url | https://ajmsjournal.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/4502 |
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