Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Silicosis

When you are diagnosed with silicosis, you and your loved ones are likely to have many concerns and questions. You'll want to provide a complete exposure history and work together on making a plan for a team approach to manage silicosis. You may also want to ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist who has experience managing silicosis.

  • I have had occupational exposure to silica. Should I be screened for silicosis?
  • What tests do I need to confirm my diagnosis?
  • How often should I have follow-up screening to make sure that my infection is not progressing?
  • How severe is my diagnosis?
  • Will I need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting my job, to prevent further exposure?
  • How much experience do you have treating silicosis? Should I talk to a specialist?
  • What treatment do you suggest for my severity? Are there any side effects?
  • Is there any additional therapy available to assist with my symptoms?
  • Are there any counseling resources available?
  • What options are available to help me quit smoking?
  • Am I at risk of developing another lung infection, like TB? How can I prevent this?
  • Will I need a lung transplant?

Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.

Page last updated: May 2, 2024

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