Respiratory Flashcards
What are the most concerning components of smoke & combustion by-products
Irritants, hydrogen cyanide, carbonaceous particles, and carbon monoxide.
Does diesel engine exhaust produce particulates?
Yes.
What are some signs and symptoms of significant smoke exposure?
Smoke tainted nares and carbonaceous sputum.
What are relevant lab options after smoke exposure?
Pulse ox, CXR, PFT. Lactic acidosis suggests hydrogen cyanide exposure.
What does lactic acidosis after smoke exposure indicate?
Hydrogen cyanide.
Define coal worker’s pneumoconiosis.
Parenchymal lung disease that stems from the inhalation of coal dust.
Who gets it coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?
It requires a heavy burden. As such, it is rare with less than 20 years of exposure. Underground drillers and those working directly at the coal face are at most risk.
What is the primary lesion of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?
The coal macule. It is formed by the formation of a reticulin layer around dust particles in the respiratory bronchiole.
Which part of the lung is first affected with coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?
The upper lobes. Eventually, the lower lobes are affected.
Does coal dust cause calcification of hilar lymph nodes?
No. Silica does.
Rheumatoid arthritis + coal exposure can lead to what?
Caplan syndrome.
What does the pulmonary function test show in coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?
In simple disease, no changes. In complicated disease, restricted or mixed.
What resulted in huge improvements for rates of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis?
The passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, which allowed for monitoring of coal dust levels and free surveillance. It was passed in 1969.
