| Baritosis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Barium | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology  |
Baritosis is abenign type ofpneumoconiosis, which is caused by long-term exposure to the dust of insoluble compounds ofbarium, such as groundbaryte ore.
The disease may develop after few months of exposure. Barium compounds have a highradio-opacity. Extremely dense, discrete smallopacities of 2–4 mm diameter, sometimes of a star-like configuration, are seen on theradiograph. Their distribution is uniform. When they are very numerous, superimposition may give the impression of confluency, but this does not seem to occur in reality. The hilarlymph nodes can be very opaque but not enlarged. After cessation of exposure, there is a gradual clearing of the opacities.
In some cases, it isasymptomatic.[citation needed]
The particles of barium compounds can be seen as opaque shadows on the chestX-rays of people with baritosis. However, being a benign condition, it neither interferes with lung function nor causes symptoms other than a mild cough.[citation needed]
After exposure to barium compounds dust ceases, the X-ray abnormalities gradually resolve.[1]
Once diagnosis has been confirmed, the most effective treatment is to eliminate exposure to barium compounds dust. When a persistent cough is present,expectorants may be prescribed to help cough out the sputum and particles of barium compounds.Cough suppressants and/orNSAIDs may be used to help reduce irritation and inflammation.