In the most extreme cases a lung transplant could be done to help prolong the patients life expectancy. Prevention of pneumoconiosis
The main way to avoid contracting coal workers pneumoconiosis is to avoid the inhalation of coal dust. Some of the ways to prevent this disease include: not smoking, wearing ventilated masks when coming in contact with potentially dangerous airborne particles, regular pulmonary exams, and becoming educated about the risks of lung diseases in your work environment. Epidemiology
In 2013 CWP resulted in 25,000 deaths down from 29,000 deaths in 1990. Between 1970 and 1974, prevalence of CWP among US coal miners who had worked over 25 years was 32%; the same group saw a prevalence of 9% in 2005–2006. In Australia, CWP was considered to be eliminated in the 1970s due to strict hazard control measures. However, there has been a resurgence of CWP in Australia, with the first new cases being detected in May 2015. From 1999 to 2016, the average years of life lost due to CWP increased from 8.1 to 12.6 years, most likely due to the increased severity and progression of CWP. History
Black lung is actually a set of conditions and until the 1950s its dangers were not well understood. The prevailing view was that silicosis was very serious but it was solely caused by silica and not coal dust.
The subacute form causes weakness, fasciculations, cramping, and stiffness of muscles, which can lead to recumbency, as well as a stilted gait, dysphagia, ptyalism, and a weak suckle. It may be treated with selenium supplementation, but there is a 30–45% mortality rate. Other sequelae include aspiration pneumonia, failure of passive transfer, and stunting of growth. Clinical laboratory changes include evidence of rhabdomyolysis (elevated CK and AST, myoglobinuria) and low blood selenium levels. On necropsy, muscles are pale with areas of necrosis and edema evidenced as white streaks.Horses may also develop a more chronic delayed form of the disease called Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) or Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy (EDM). EDM is a more severe form of NAD. The diseases are characterized by the damage and degeneration of the central nervous system. This disease process is heritable in certain breed bloodlines, such as Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Morgan, Lusitano, and Arabian. It is hypothesized that horses develop this disease continuum because they have a defect in the uptake or utilization of Vitamin E and therefore have a higher baseline requirement. Sheep (Stiff Lamb Disease)
In lambs, the disease typically occurs between 3 and 8 weeks of age, but may occur in older lambs as well. Progressive paralysis occurs, which is evident through the following symptoms: arched back, difficulty moving and an open shouldered stance.