Occupational interstitial lung disease.
Occupational interstitial lung diseases are a diverse group of disorders of varied cause. Occupational causes account for a significant portion of all interstitial lung diseases, and new causes continue to be described. Although some are diseases of antiquity, they continue to occur in the workplace and often are misdiagnosed as "idiopathic" when physicians miss the connection to past-inhaled exposures. All of these diseases are preventable with reduction or elimination of workplace exposure. This article reviews the spectrum of diseases caused by exposure to metal dust and fumes, inorganic fibers, and nonfibrous inorganic dust. It also details an approach to the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of this group of illnesses.
Glazer
Craig S
CS
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9034, USA. Craig.Glazer@utsouthwestern.edu
Newman
Lee S
LS
D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008670:Metals; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000175:diagnosis
D008670:Metals