Chalicosis


Chalicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis affecting the lungs or bronchioles, found mainly among stonecutters. The disease is caused by the inhalation of fine particles of stone. The term is from Greek, χάλιξ, gravel.

Risk factors

Occupations with significant exposure to stone dust are at an increased risk of chalicosis include:

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chalicosis are slow to develop and thus patients may not show signs of incapacity until years after exposure. It may even take up to 10 years before manifestations of the disorder are present. Signs and symptoms include:

Treatment and prevention

There is no definitive cure for chalicosis, nor is there a specific targeted therapy. Current treatment of this lung disorder primarily involves managing respiratory symptoms, associated comorbidities, and complications, with the overarching goal of enhancing the patient's quality of life. These include:

Acute pharmacotherapies

Chronic pharmacotherapies