Ľubomír Legáth, Marek Varga
Background: Pneumoconioses, acute or chronic, arise from the inhalation and retention of mineral dust in the lung tissues with the development and subsequent failure of lung microarchitectonics (known as collagenous pneumoconioses) or without failure of lung microarchitectonics (so-called noncollagenous pneumoconioses). Etiopathogenesis: The development of silicosis depends on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of dust aerosol particulates and on individual susceptibility according to congenital and acquired dispositions of workers. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of pneumoconiosis is based on history of occupational and environmental exposure and on the presence of corresponding clinical and radiological findings, supplemented by obligatory and facultative medical examinations. Treatment: Due to the irreversible and progressive nature of the disease, treatment requires a comprehensive approach including prevention and treatment of comorbidities.