Coal worker Pneumooconiosis: An experience with 58 cases of coalmine workers in the southern District of NWFP

Abstract

Clinical and radiological evaluation of coal worker pneumoconiosis (CWP). A retrospective study was conducted in DHQ Karak from February to October 2002. fifty Eight cases of coalmine workers who showed evidence of pneumoconiosis were collected from the hospital OPD. some individuals presented as patients while some were their attendants who showed radiological changes of coal worker penumoconiosis (CWP). history, clinical examination and past investigations were collected. they were also investigated in the hospital with x-ray chest, sputum examination and blood cytology with ESR. Patients with simple CWP may remain asymptomatic for long time and so reaminable to perform mine work while the patients with PMF are mostly symptomaatic and are not able for work in the mi9ne. CWP may closely resemble tuberculosis so occupational history is important in suspected cases. This study found no signs of reversibility in CWP after leaving the work, rather showed progression in the cases of PMF.