Berylliosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to beryllium, a chemical irritant to the lungs. With prolonged exposure, the lungs become hypersensitive to it causing the development of small inflammatory nodules, called sarcoidosis, and it can occasionally be hard to distinguish berylliosis from these disorders. Ultimately, this process leads to restrictive lung disease, a decreased diffusion capacity. Clinically patients experience cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include chest pain, joint aches, weight loss and fever.
Occupations with the highest potential for exposure to beryllium are those involved with primary production, metal machining, and reclaiming scrap alloys. Other high-exposure occupations are in the nuclear power, aerospace, and electronics industries. Some of the modern day uses of beryllium include the following:
Nuclear reactors and weapons
Inertial guidance systems
X-ray tube windows
Turbine rotor blades
Spark plugs
Laser tubes
Electrical components
Rocket engine liners
Ceramic applications
Springs, gears, aircraft brakes, aircraft engines, landing gear, and bearings
The patient with chronic berylliosis usually receives corticosteroid therapy to attempt to alter the disease's progression; maintenance therapy may be lifelong.
Berylliosis is lung inflammation caused by inhaling dust or fumes that contain the metallic element beryllium.
Berylliosis is initially suspected if a patient with symptoms of the disease has a history of beryllium exposure.
Individuals with beryllium sensitivity or early-stage berylliosis should be transferred from tasks that involve beryllium exposure and regularly examined to determine whether the disease has progressed.
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