Treatingsilicosis

There's no cure for silicosis, as the lung damage cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The conditionmay continue to get worse, leading to further lung damage and serious disability, although this may happen very slowly over many years.

The following steps may limit the risk of complications:

• ensure you're not exposed to any more silica
• stop smoking (if you smoke)
• have regular test to check forTB, if advised by your doctor
• have the annual flu jab and the pneumococcal vaccination

You may be offered long-term oxygen therapy if you're having difficulty breathing and have low levels of oxygen in your blood. Bronchodilator medicines may also be prescribed to widen your airways and make breathing easier.

You'll be given a course of antibiotics if you develop a bacterialchest infection.

In very severe cases, a lung transplant may be an option, although there are strict health requirements to meet before this will be considered.