Respiratory

Question 1

Silicosis

Answer 1

Due to silica dust (stone mason/quaries/mining/founderies/pottery or brick making etc)
Can develop after exposure to high levels of silica dust over short time (months to years) or chronic exposure

Upper lobe nodulees
Upper lobe fibrosis
Cavitation of nodules
Calcified hilar lymphadenopathy

Requires full lung function testing (Not just spirometry)

Screen for TB as may mimic and at higher risk of this
Increased risk of lung cancer

?Encourage to notify WorkSafe if occupational exposure
Avoid exposure
Pneumococcal/Influenza immunisation
Respiratory referral

Question 2

Asbestosis

Answer 2

Shipyard/Railway workers, construction workers, Electrician or mechanic

Increased risk of lung cancer

Lower lobe predominance
Bilateral symmetrical reticulonodular pattern on imaging
Pleural plaques

Restrictive lung function