慢性 铍 疾病

迹象 & 症状

In the early stages, CBD may not cause any noticeable 症状. 但是，随着时间的推移，可能会出现以下症状:

• 运动时呼吸急促
• 干咳不退
• 乏力
• 盗汗
• 胸部和关节疼痛
• 食欲不振

诊断

慢性铍病的诊断, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical and occupational history and conducting a thorough medical examination. 这 will help determine if you have been exposed to any toxic substances that may have caused CBD or other occupational lung diseases. CBD, without a specific occupational history and specialized 测试ing, is identical to the disease 结节病 因此经常被误诊为这种情况.

Another important step in making a diagnosis of CBD is a simple blood 测试 called beryllium lymphocyte proliferation 测试 (BeLPT). 这 测试 determines if your immune system is reacting to berylium, which may indicate CBD. 如果你的测试呈阳性, additional 测试s may be conducted to make a definitive diagnosis:

• 胸部x光片. A 胸部x光片 检查肺部是否有异常.
• 肺功能检查(PFT). 这 测试 involves a series of breathing maneuvers that measure the airflow and volume of air in your lungs, which allows your doctor to objectively assess the function of your lungs.
• 高分辨率计算机断层扫描(HRCT). 这是一种特殊的 CT扫描 that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs. These images are extremely valuable in determining which type of occupational lung disease you have. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT扫描; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes.
• 支气管镜检查. 这 测试 包括通过一个柔性光纤镜, 大约一支铅笔的直径, into the lungs to obtain fluid and sometimes tissue samples to aid in diagnosis. 在评价CBD时, bronchoscopy usually includes 测试ing a patient's sputum because this fluid can undergo the same beryllium lymphocyte proliferation 测试 (BeLPT) 测试 that is performed on blood.
• 肺活检. If a patient's 胸部x光片 or high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) detects any growths or abnormalities, a lung biopsy may be conducted to determine whether lung cancer is present. A lung biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a specimen of lung tissue is sampled and examined under the microscope.

治疗

At this time, there is no cure for chronic beryllium disease. 然而, treatment is available that can help slow the progression of the disease, 防止进一步的肺部损伤造成的疤痕, improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream and manage 症状.

Treatment depends on the severity of your disease and 症状 and may include the following:

Immunospressive药物

Prednisone is the immunosuppressive drug most commonly prescribed to patients with CBD. Prednisone slows the immune system's response to the beryllium in the lungs and helps decrease 症状 while improving gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream. 病人 are usually given a course of prednisone that is gradually decreased over a period of time. 然而，随着时间的推移，强的松会产生副作用. It is important to discuss these side effects with your doctor before starting treatment.

氧气疗法

随着病情的发展, patients may find it increasingly difficult to breathe on their own and may require supplemental oxygen. Therapy is delivered in three systems: concentrators, compressed gas systems and liquid systems. The system that best meets your needs will depend on the severity of your disease, 生活方式和你住的地方. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you should discuss with your doctor.

氧气可以通过许多装置输送, 比如在鼻孔下面放一个小塑料管, 叫做套管, 面罩及经气管输氧导管, which is a thin tube placed in the neck that delivers oxygen directly to the windpipe. 这 device is used for continuous, long-term oxygen therapy.

肺移植

在严重的情况下， 肺移植 可能会被推荐.