Chronic beryllium disease or berylliosis is painful scarring of the lung tissue caused by exposure to the metal beryllium. Victims of chronic beryllium disease first develop an allergic response to beryllium known as “beryllium sensitization.” Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fevers, skin rash, and night sweats. In the later stages, lung tissue becomes scarred. In severe cases, the right side of the heart may be strained due to increased pressure in the pulmonary artery from lung damage.
Screening methods for beryllium disease include chest x–rays, a blood test called the “beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test,” and a breathing test (pulmonary function test). See Beryllium Disease: Detection for details.
A doença crônica do berílio pode ser tratada, mas não curada. Os esteróides adrenocorticais podem reduzir a inflamação do tecido pulmonar. Os médicos geralmente prescrevem o esteróide prednisona. Outros esteróides também podem ser úteis. Ventilação mecânica dos pulmões e administração de oxigênio podem ser necessárias em casos avançados da doença.
Entre em contato com um advogado para doenças crônicas do berílio
For detailed information about the metal beryllium, beryllium exposure risks, and berylliosis detection and treatment, see our web site, Beryllium Network. If you have been diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease and wish to know more about your legal options, please feel free to contact Brayton Purcell LLP today at Brayton Purcell LLP. We have extensive experience with beryllium litigation on behalf of injured workers and their families. Get in touch with a chronic beryllium disease lawyer today to learn more.
