A 2020 TOP DOC Dr. Albert Polito, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, helps patients with lung problems including COPD, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease and sleep disorders.
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The pulmonology specialists at The Lung Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, diagnose and treat occupational lung disease. Our lung doctors provide patients a comprehensive plan and use their expertise to diagnose additional lung disorders that may result from occupational lung disease.
Occupational lung disease is most often caused by repeated, long-term exposure to irritants or toxic substances, resulting in both chronic and acute conditions related to the lungs. Some of the most common occupational lung diseases include asbestosis, silicosis, occupational asthma, mesothelioma, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis or black lung, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Other lung disorders such as COPD and lung cancer can result from workplace exposure. There are certain jobs that put workers at a higher risk for developing occupational lung disease. These jobs include construction, industry, farming, mining and firefighting.
The symptoms for occupational lung disease are similar to the other lung diseases. Although these symptoms are common, getting an accurate diagnosis is important. Occupational disease symptoms may include:
While there is no cure for occupational lung disease, there are preventable measures that can be implemented to halt this lung disorder. Other tests used in diagnosing occupational lung disease may include:
Treatment for occupational lung disease can vary and may include a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment may also depend on many factors, including the type of disease, the extent of disease, overall health and age.
Dr. George Boyer, Chair of The Department of Medicine, is an award-winning medical teacher as well as a specialist in lung problems, obstructive airways disease, high altitude illness and diving medicine.
An avid fencer takes on asthma with the help of Mercy's Dr. Polito.