Etymed
pneumoconiosis
Definition
a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling dust particles, particularly coal, silica, or asbestos dust
Clinical context
A 65-year-old coal miner presents with progressive shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough over the past 5 years. Chest X-ray reveals bilateral nodular opacities and pulmonary fibrosis. His symptoms worsen with exertion and are associated with significant occupational exposure to coal dust. A lung biopsy shows characteristic fibrotic changes and coal particles within macrophages.
Mnemonic
PneumoCONIosis = PULMONARY disease from CONDENSATION of dust particles in the LUNGS