Austin Pulmonary Consultants

Breathing new life into the care and treatment of patients with chronic lung conditions

Occupational Lung Disease

We see occupational lung disease most often with people who regularly work in environments filled with dust, chemicals, and other air pollutants. Many people think of coal miners or similar workers when they hear the words “dust” and “chemicals,” but individuals who work as mechanics or in textiles can be at risk, too.

Any environment containing toxic chemicals, dusts, and other hazardous materials presents a potential danger to a patient’s respiratory system.Because occupational lung disease is an umbrella term — it covers a spectrum of diseases and chronic conditions — Austin Pulmonary Consultants will order an initial chest X-ray or CT scan to help determine your precise pulmonary condition. We may perform additional testing such as pulmonary function testing, a biopsy of lung tissue, or perform an examination of the airways with a procedure called bronchoscopy.

Typical symptoms include a dry cough, chest discomfort or tightness, and shortness of breath. Since the symptoms for occupational lung disease are found with other lung conditions, we suggest setting up an appointment with Austin Pulmonary Consultants for a thorough evaluation.

Our treatment plan depends on the type and severity of your condition.

A patient diagnosed with pneumoconiosis (typically found in people who have worked in the mining and coal industries), for example, would receive a very different treatment plan than a person with occupational asthma.

To set up an appointment with Austin Pulmonary Consultants for occupational lung disease, call our North Office at (512) 977-0123 or South Office at (512) 441-9799.

Additional information about occupational lung disease can be found on our resources page.