Pulmonology Coding Alert

What is Pneumoconiosis?

Pneumoconiosis is a type of occupational respiratory problem caused by inhalation of inorganic dusts. Due to the constant exposure to these dusts, the lung loses its elasticity, undergoes fibrosis and loses its ability to expand to its full extent. This restriction reduces the total capacity of the lungs.

Types of Pneumoconiosis

Based on the type of inorganic dust that is inhaled, there are different types of pneumoconiosis that you might encounter:

  • Coal worker's pneumoconiosis - (the most common type of pneumoconiosis) caused by the inhalation of coal and carbon
  • Asbestosis - inhalation of asbestos
  • Silicosis - inhalation of silica dust
  • Berylliosis - inhalation of beryllium
  • Bauxite fibrosis - inhalation of bauxite
  • Stannosis - inhalation of tin oxide
  • Siderosis - inhalation of iron oxide
  • Talcosis - inhalation of talc