1. The Black Lung
Megan & Matt

2. Description of Disease
Black lung disease is a common name for any lung disease developing from inhaling coal dust Name comes from the fact that the lungs appear black instead of pink
There are two forms: Simple, which is known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) Complicated, which is known as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).

3. Causes
The inhalation and accumulation of coal dust into the lungs increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis The severity of CWP depends on the type of coal mine and the dust conditions in the work environment. For many, there are no symptoms or noticeable effect on quality of life

4. Progression
As CWP progresses and becomes PMF, a cough and shortness of breath develop severe airway obstruction Smoking does not increase the prevalence of Coal Workers pneumoconiosis, nor does it affect the development. May add to lung damage&contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Coal workers who smoke are at much greater risk of developing COPD than nonsmoking coal workers.

5. Therapy
Avoiding tobacco smoke, Eliminating coal-dust/air-pollutants from the patient’s home or workplace. Medication for coughing, wheezing, etc. Combating opportunistic infections with the help of antibiotics. Oxygen Therapy - Improving blood oxygen levels by administering supplimental oxygen using portable oxygen tanks. Yearly chest radiographs for early detection of Black Lung Disease

6. Notes
It has killed hundreds of thousands of coal miners over the years. Outcome: The outcome for the simple form is usually good. It rarely causes disability or death. The complicated form may cause shortness of breath that gets progressively worse The doctor will do a physical exam and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. A chest x-ray or chest CT scan will be performed. You may also need lung function tests

7. More notes
Wear a protective mask when working around coal, graphite, or man-made carbon. Companies should enforce the maximum permitted dust levels

8. Anatomy
The secondary lobule is the basic anatomic unit of pulmonary structure and function It measures about 1-2 cm and is made up of 5-15 pulmonary acini, that contain the alveoli for gas exchange. The secondary lobule is supplied by a small bronchiole (terminal bronchiole) in the center, that is parallelled by the centrilobular artery.

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