3.3.2 Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis refers to the chronic irritation and inflammation of lungs caused by inhalation of dust particles，commonly leading to fibrosis of the lungs（Fig.3-5）.It is an occupational hazard seen mainly in people involved in the mining and stoneworking industries.The disease is characterized by pain in the chest，cough with little or no expectoration，dyspnea，reduced thoracic excursion，sometimes cyanosis，and fatigue after slight exertion，and it often leads to chronic restrictive lung disease as measured by pulmonary testing.The degree of disability depends on the types of particles inhaled，as well as the level of exposure to them.Different forms of pneumoconiosis are named for the specific type of dust inhaled：silicosis（silica or quartz），anthracosis（coal dust），and asbestosis（asbestos fibers）.
Fig.3-5 Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis is mainly diagnosed by chest X-ray.One may be diagnosed with pneumoconiosis if he/she has lung symptoms，X-ray abnormalities，and a history of working around coal，asbestos，or silica.Symptoms like shortness of breath，chronic cough and chest pain also help with the diagnosis.Studying the type of particle the patient has been exposed to and the time period over which the exposure has taken place is also important for correctly diagnosing the condition.
Pneumoconiosis cannot be cured.Once the disease has been diagnosed，treatment is aimed at keeping it from getting worse and controlling the symptoms.It is always advisable to keep away from further exposure to harmful mineral dusts as it may worsen the condition.Treatment options for early stages of this disease include antibiotics for treating bronchitis，bronchodilator medications for breathing trouble，inhaled corticosteroid medications and antibiotics for respiratory infections.
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Task 4 Decide whether the following statements are true（T）or false（F）according to the text.
1.Pneumoconiosis is an occupational disease caused by inhalation of dust particles，which commonly leads to fibrosis of the lungs.（ ）
2.Chest pain，productive cough and increased thoracic movement are common manifestations of pneumoconiosis.（ ）
3.The severity of pneumoconiosis depends on the types of particles inhaled，as well as the level of exposure to the particles.（ ）
4.A person who has been exposed to the coal dust for a long time is susceptible to silicosis.（ ）
5.Pneumoconiosis can be cured by bronchodilators，inhaled corticosteroid medications and antibiotics.（ ）