Early symptoms of pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis primarily occurs when a large amount of dust or smoke is present in the production or living environment. Long-term inhalation of such air leads to the deposition of dust and smoke particles inside the alveoli. These particles are then transported by phagocytic cells within the alveoli to the pulmonary interstitium and lymphatic vessels. This affects the normal process of gas and blood exchange in the lungs, thus leading to pneumoconiosis. In the early stages, the symptoms of pneumoconiosis are generally insidious, including cough, phlegm, and gradually worsening symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness after physical activity, which can easily be confused with symptoms of the common cold or bronchitis.