Silicosis; acute

Alternative names:

silicoproteinosis

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Supportive treatment includes cough suppression medications, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed for shortness of breath. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections as needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is usually rapidly progressive until death.

Complications:

A complication is respiratory failure.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have an occupational exposure to silica and symptoms develop.