Pneumoconiosis and Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Yuqing  Shi; Chen  Li; Shi  Zhou; Chunyun  Li; Fankang  Meng; Xiaoxia  Wang; Qing  Xu; Henan  Liu; Yuhua  Tang

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i3.18245

Yuqing Shi Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Chen Li The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
Shi Zhou Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Chunyun Li Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Fankang Meng Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Xiaoxia Wang Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Qing Xu Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Henan Liu Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
Yuhua Tang Department of Occupational Disease, Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i3.18245

Keywords: Pneumoconiosis; Chronic diseases; Occupational lung diseases

Abstract

Pneumoconiosis, an occupational lung disease that arises from the inhalation of harmful dust, often coexists with multiple chronic diseases that aggravate its prognosis and complicate treatment. These chronic diseases can include pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions, as well as cerebrovascular, renal, endocrine, and rheumatic comorbidities. The underlying pathogenesis, which involves inflammatory responses, blood vessel damage, and immune system compromise, is rooted in the persistent presence of inhaled dust particles within the pulmonary alveoli and the systemic circulation. Management emphasizes preventive measures, notably through regulatory oversight to reduce exposure, and is coupled with vigilant chronic disease monitoring and lifestyle interventions. This article reviews the mechanisms, research status, and management strategies for pneumoconiosis patients complicated by the aforementioned chronic diseases. We aimed to bridge the gap between understanding the complexities of pneumoconiosis combined with chronic conditions and translating this insight into practical and effective management strategies to enhance patient care.