Silicosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Silicosis?
A pulmonologist (a lung doctor) usually treats silicosis. A doctor who treats work-related illness may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. Silica is a common crystal found in most rock beds. Silica is also a main part of sand.
There are three types of silicosis:
- Chronic silicosis comes from more than 20 years of exposure to small amounts of silica dust. It is the most common form.
- Accelerated silicosis follows 3 to 10 years around larger amounts of silica. Symptoms start faster.
- Acute silicosis comes from a short time around very large amounts of silica. The lungs get very inflamed and can fill with fluid.
Acute silicosis gets worse quickly and can be fatal within months.
Symptoms
Symptoms of silicosis include:
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath.
- Weight loss.
- Tiredness, which may be present in acute silicosis.
In acute silicosis, fluid in the lungs can cause severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen. Silicosis can also lead to lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and lung failure. Outcome varies, depending on the amount of damage to the lungs.
Causes and who gets it
Silica dust forms during mining, quarrying, tunneling, and work with some metal ores. Glass workers and sand-blasters are also exposed to silica.
People who work in these jobs are at risk:
- Abrasives manufacturing.
- Glass manufacturing.
- Mining and quarrying.
- Road and building construction.
- Sand blasting and stone cutting.
Intense exposure to silica can cause disease within a year. Usually it takes at least 10 years of exposure before symptoms occur. Silicosis has become less common since OSHA rules required protective equipment.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will ask about your jobs and hobbies. The goal is to learn if you were around silica. Your provider will also do a physical exam.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis and check for similar diseases include:
- Chest x-ray.
- Chest CT scan.
- Lung function tests.
- Tuberculosis (TB) tests.
- Blood tests for connective tissue diseases.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for silicosis. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to keep the disease from getting worse. Care includes cough medicine, bronchodilators (medicines that open the airways), and oxygen. Antibiotics are used for lung infections as needed. Limiting irritants and quitting smoking are also part of care.
People with silicosis are at high risk for developing TB. Skin tests for TB should be done regularly. A positive test is treated with anti-TB medicines. In rare cases, people with severe silicosis may need a lung transplant.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you think you were exposed to silica at work. If you have silicosis, contact your provider right away if you get a cough, fever, or other signs of a lung infection. Treating a lung infection quickly helps keep breathing problems from becoming severe.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain lasting two minutes or more, coughing up blood, or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can ask about your jobs and hobbies and do a physical exam. They can also order first tests, such as a chest x-ray or a TB test.
Common questions
Is there a treatment for silicosis?
There is no specific treatment for silicosis, but care can ease symptoms. Removing the source of silica exposure is important to keep the disease from getting worse. Supportive care includes cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen if needed.
How long does it take to get silicosis?
It usually takes at least 10 years of exposure before symptoms occur. Intense exposure to silica can cause disease within a year.
Can silicosis be prevented?
Yes, it has become less common since OSHA rules required protective equipment. If you work in a high-risk job or have a high-risk hobby, use the protection OSHA advises, such as a respirator. Do not smoke.
Does silicosis raise the risk of other illnesses?
Yes, people with silicosis are at high risk for developing TB. Silica is believed to interfere with the body's fight against TB bacteria. Silicosis can also lead to lung cancer and lung failure.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
