Week 2 – Regressive Tissue Changes
Discussion Topic
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Choose a topic from the chapters on cellular reactions and find an outside source to share. It may be an article, video, diagram, etc. Be sure to share what you found information about the source you chose, as well as how it relates to the content we are reviewing this week. I do not want everyone to use the same source, so be sure to get your original forum posted as soon as possible to ensure another student does not take it. When you respond, be sure to state what you found most interesting about the source provided.
Michael’s post:
For this week’s discussion forum, I have chosen to write about silicosis. Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by stone dust. The word silicosis comes from the word silicon, and usually affects those who work in quarries and or around sand or stone dust. When silica dust enters the lungs, it can cause inflammation that can and will lead to scar tissue and damage to your lungs over time. The volume of particles and the duration of the exposure impact how much damage is done.
Silicosis is a progressive disease that normally takes between 10-30 years to develop, after first exposure. As time passes a person afflicted by silicosis will slowly but surely begin to lose lung capacity, and very likely over time will need to use oxygen to help them breathe, this is even more likely if they have Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF). PMF is a severe form of fibrosis, it causes far worse scarring and damage to the lungs and can lead to greater susceptibility to tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis.
Silicosis does not have a specific test; to get a diagnosis, it takes multiple tests to be able to confirm the suspicion with a diagnosis. There is no cure for silicosis, and the damage done cannot be reversed. Any silicosis treatment focuses on slowing the disease’s progression and relieving the symptoms. One would need to change their habits if needed and avoid inhalation of more silica particles.
I used to work for a company called Howmet Aerospace. They took chest x-rays when we were hired and did health checks on us every year. This is one of many things they were openly trying to protect us from, it was a constant concern.
I have included a link to a video that was informative to those who do not have a firm understanding of silicosis. I think that it was a valuable resource for prevention and hopefully, will make others think about the exposure that they are at risk for in their workplace. I also think that it is important to show people the risks and thought it was good that they mentioned access to support groups, as well.
Silicosis video by the American Lung Association
References:
American Lung Association. (n.d.). Silicosis. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/silicosis
Christy’s post:
Cardiac hypertrophy is a condition that the heart muscle increases in thickness. This makes the heart’s four chambers smaller, which in turn causes a decrease in the amount of blood the heart pumps. Hypertension and heart valve stenosis are the cause of this particular disease. The video shares how the heart struggles with regular operations. It also breaks down contributing factors that may eventually lead to congestive heart failure. I just included part one.
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