When you are diagnosed with silicosis, you and your loved ones are likely to have many concerns and questions. You'll want to provide a complete exposure history and work together on making a plan for a team approach to manage silicosis. You may also want to ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist who has experience managing silicosis.
- I have had occupational exposure to silica. Should I be screened for silicosis?
- What tests do I need to confirm my diagnosis?
- How often should I have follow-up screening to make sure that my infection is not progressing?
- How severe is my diagnosis?
- Will I need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting my job, to prevent further exposure?
- How much experience do you have treating silicosis? Should I talk to a specialist?
- What treatment do you suggest for my severity? Are there any side effects?
- Is there any additional therapy available to assist with my symptoms?
- Are there any counseling resources available?
- What options are available to help me quit smoking?
- Am I at risk of developing another lung infection, like TB? How can I prevent this?
- Will I need a lung transplant?
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: April 17, 2024
