Chalicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis affecting the lungs or bronchioles, found mainly among stonecutters.[1] The disease is caused by the inhalation of fine particles of stone.[2] The term is from Greek, χάλιξ, gravel.
Risk factors
Occupations with significant exposure to stone dust are at an increased risk of chalicosis include:
Signs and symptoms of chalicosis are slow to develop and thus patients may not show signs of incapacity until years after exposure.[4] It may even take up to 10 years before manifestations of the disorder are present.[3] Signs and symptoms include:
Dyspnea (uncomfortable breathing sensation/shortness of breath) aggravated by exertion[3][4]
There is no definitive cure for chalicosis,[5] nor is there a specific targeted therapy.[3] Current treatment of this lung disorder primarily involves managing respiratory symptoms, associated comorbidities, and complications, with the overarching goal of enhancing the patient's quality of life.[5][3] These include:
Acute pharmacotherapies
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that can be used for acute management of chalicotic symptoms.[3][5]They are not recommended for chronic management.[3]
Chronic pharmacotherapies
Whole lung lavage uses saline solution to wash out lodged particles in the lungs.[5]
Bronchodilators dilate the bronchi and bronchioles to increase airflow to the lungs.[5][3]
Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen, often to prevent complications of chronic hypoxemia.[3][5]
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a therapeutic concept which utilizes a series of services to aid improved breathing.[5]
^ abcdefFine, M. James; Jaso, James V. (January 5, 1935). "Silicosis and primary carcinoma of the bronchus". JAMA. 104 (1): 40–43. doi:10.1001/jama.1935.02760010042008.
