Berylliosis is a type of lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to beryllium. This exposure can occur either by inhalation of the metal or by skin contact with it. The resulting symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, and unexplained joint pain. It is not uncommon for people to be exposed to beryllium in their daily lives.
Berylliosis is characterized by the presence of inflammatory granulomas in the lungs and surrounding tissues. These granulomas cause inflammation, which can lead to respiratory failure. As a result, treatment is focused on preventing the progression of the disease and slowing the progression of symptoms. In addition to medical intervention, occupational health programs can help prevent beryllium exposure.
If beryllium exposure is suspected, it can be confirmed with a blood test called the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). A BeLPT results in a positive diagnosis if there is an increased number of white blood cells that are sensitized to beryllium.
If berylliosis is diagnosed, it is usually treated with inhaled corticosteroid drugs. Berylliosis symptoms may continue for a long time, so it is important to be monitored. Medical surveillance is recommended for all workers who have been exposed to beryllium. Individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic berylliosis can be candidates for a lung transplant. However, the mortality rate is 5 to 38 percent.
Symptoms of berylliosis vary widely and depend on the stage of the disease. There are two main forms: acute and chronic. Chronic berylliosis is generally found in industrial workers. Workers in the nuclear physics, aerospace, telecommunication, and other industries that are directly exposed to beryllium have a greater risk of developing berylliosis.
In some cases, berylliosis may be diagnosed based on chest radiography. A chest x-ray will detect abnormalities such as ground-glass opacities, atypical lymph nodes, and interstitial fibrosis. Other tests, such as a CT scan or bronchoalveolar lavage, can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Chronic berylliosis can also be detected by a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the lungs. However, this test is not as accurate as the BeLPT. Moreover, if the patient has been exposed to beryllium for many years, a chest CT can be less useful. Another diagnostic technique is exercise tolerance testing, which can be used to measure lung function.
In some patients, berylliosis symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from other medical conditions. For instance, the rashes that are common in berylliosis can mimic the signs and symptoms of a skin rash. Additionally, the lung edema that can occur in berylliosis is similar to the symptoms of pulmonary edema. Finally, the hilar lymphadenopathy that can be present in berylliosis may not be apparent until the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important to have periodic examinations to monitor berylliosis symptoms.
Chronic berylliosis is caused by an autoimmune reaction that occurs when the immune system is sensitized to beryllium. In some individuals, the immune response can take place through a cell-mediated response, wherein the lungs are inundated with a mass of sensitized T cells. This eventually leads to granulomas, which can be accompanied by inflammation and fibrosis.
