Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 9-32: Occupational Pulmonary Diseases + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Extensive or prolonged inhalation of free silica Small, rounded opacities (silicotic nodules) throughout the lung + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Calcification of peripheral hilar lymph nodes ("eggshell" calcification) strongly suggests silicosis Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is increased in patients with silicosis + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Simple silicosis is usually asymptomatic without effect on pulmonary function tests Complicated silicosis presents with large conglomerate densities in the upper lung; dyspnea with restrictive and obstructive changes on pulmonary function tests is common + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ All patients require a tuberculin skin test and current chest radiograph Patients with suspected old pulmonary tuberculosis should be treated with multidrug regimens