Question

Explain the pathophysiology of pneumoconisis. Why does the patient have these signs and symptoms?

Answer 1

Pneumoconisis - It is caused due to inhalation of dust in lungs , which causes fibrosis , coughing and inflammation

Pathophysiology : for example inhalation of asbestos and silicon

---->i) inhalation of the asbestos and silicon

ii) These dust particles interact with the epithelial cells and macrophages in the lung

iii) interaction leads to penetration of dust particles into alveoli

iv) release of inflammatory mediators like interleukins, fibrogenic cytokines , lipid mediators , fibronectin

v) These mediators cause fibrosis of lung

-----------> The signs and symptoms are

i) cough with mucus in large amount

ii) Tightness in the chest due to fibrosis of lung

iii) difficulty in breathing

iv) Long term cough