BLACK PHTHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Black phthisis, also known as pulmonary anthracosis or coal worker's pneumoconiosis, is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation and deposition of coal dust particles in the lungs. It primarily affects individuals who work in coal mines, as well as those exposed to coal dust in other occupational settings such as coke and graphite production.
The condition is characterized by the black discoloration of lung tissues due to the accumulation of carbon particles derived from coal dust. Over time, this accumulation can lead to inflammation, scarring, and damage to the lung tissue. Symptoms of black phthisis include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and decreased exercise tolerance.
In advanced stages, complications such as respiratory failure and cor pulmonale (heart enlargement) may arise. The severity of the disease correlates with the duration and intensity of exposure to coal dust.
Prevention of black phthisis involves the implementation of proper occupational hygiene measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment and the adoption of dust control methods in coal mining and related industries. While there is no cure for black phthisis, management focuses on symptom relief and minimizing progression through the cessation of exposure to coal dust. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered as a treatment option.
Overall, black phthisis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation and accumulation of coal dust particles, primarily affecting individuals with occupational exposure. Awareness of the risks and proper preventive measures are crucial in reducing the incidence and impact of this condition.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLACK PHTHISIS
- vlack phthisis
- nlack phthisis
- hlack phthisis
- glack phthisis
- bkack phthisis
- bpack phthisis
- boack phthisis
- blzck phthisis
- blsck phthisis
- blwck phthisis
- blqck phthisis
- blaxk phthisis
- blavk phthisis
- blafk phthisis
- bladk phthisis
- blacj phthisis
- blacm phthisis
- blacl phthisis
- blaco phthisis
- blaci phthisis
Etymology of BLACK PHTHISIS
The term "black phthisis" is a historical medical term that was used in the 19th century to refer to a severe and often fatal lung disease. "Phthisis" comes from the Greek word "phthiō", meaning "I waste away" or "I decline". It was commonly used in ancient times to describe any disease accompanied by gradual wasting or degeneration.
The term "black" in "black phthisis" refers to the discoloration of the lungs caused by the disease. The lungs of individuals suffering from this condition were observed to turn dark due to the accumulation of carbon particles, often from environmental pollution or industrial exposure.
Since "black phthisis" is no longer in common use and has been replaced with the modern medical term "pulmonary tuberculosis", it is essential to note that there is a difference in the etymology of these terms.
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