What Is Black Lung?
Black lung (popular name) is a kind of coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) caused by inhaling certain types of dust (particularly coal dust) into the lungs. It is especially common among workers in the mining sector, such as those who work directly in coal mines or in environments where coal dust is present in high concentrations.
Coal dust causes the lungs to turn black (their natural color is pink), hence the name "black lung." It becomes progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) after it has progressed significantly, an incurable condition that has resulted in thousands of deaths (for the many who have been exposed to coal dust).
Even though coal dust exposure was banned many years ago (in industrialized nations), it still kills hundreds of people every year (both present and ex-coal mining workers [more so in the many underdeveloped countries where safe-working practices are still seen to be lax]).
Symptoms - A persistent chronic cough is usually the first sign of the condition, even if it has been present for years (like most types of lung cancer, it is not usually diagnosed until it is in a more advanced stage). However, if identified early enough, it may be possible to arrest the disease's course.
Despite the fact that black lung is neither a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema (a disease in which the lungs get expanded and breathing becomes difficult) at first, it can grow into either (even cancer). Smoking may also have an effect, increasing the risk of developing black lungs.
The reason coal dust affects the lungs is that when it is inhaled, it mixes with macrophages (white blood cells) to cause aberrant tissue to form within the lungs (called nodules). As these nodules grow in size, ventilation gets constricted, and blood oxygen levels decrease (breathing becomes more difficult at this stage).
The prognosis (life expectancy) - Black lung is present when the nodules are roughly 10 millimeters in size, and when it has progressed to PMF (which takes around 10 years), the prognosis of a sufferer is believed to be quite short. If PMF does not develop, however, minor illness side effects may be observed on a daily basis (the prognosis of a sufferer will be greatly increased).
How to Know If You Have Black Lung?
Black lung (popular name) is a kind of coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) that affects the lungs by converting them from pink (normal color) to black and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of coal mining employees. It is caused by inhaling both coal dust and graphite (and those who have been unlucky enough to have been exposed to either for long periods of time).
Dust builds in the lungs (in the bronchioles [small airways within the lungs]) over a long period of time (about 10 years), obstructing the bronchioles and turning the lungs black. The air intake (breathing) and oxygen exchange in the blood are both hampered by this blockage (common symptoms of the disease begin to appear).
Symptoms of black lung are as follows:
Chronic Cough - A persistent chronic cough develops as a result of years of coal dust build-up in the lungs (the first signs that black lung is present). Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes) and emphysema (a smoking-related disease [both respiratory issues]) can accelerate the onset of symptoms. A reflex within the airways causes a chronic cough by attempting to eliminate mucus and foreign items from the lungs.
Shortness of Breath - As a result of a considerable accumulation of coal dust within the lungs, both breathing and exhaling become restricted (dyspnea [shortness of breath). Sufferers have described an acute constriction of the chest as well as a feeling of suffocation.
Caplan syndrome (a disease [autoimmune] caused by the body's cells attacking the membranes of the joints) can be experienced when black lung and rheumatoid arthritis are coupled. Inflammation of the airways causes small lumps (nodules) to form (a restriction in airflow [breathing], symptoms comparable to asthma, wheezing, and cyanosis [abnormal blue/purple staining of the skin and mucous membranes].)
PMF (Progressive Massive Fibrosis) - When black lung disease has advanced significantly, PMF may develop (the development of scar tissue leads to PMF). Scar tissue, which is typically 10 millimeters in diameter, is responsible for the destruction of both lung tissue and blood vessels (shortness of breath is experienced due to a reduced oxygen level entering the bloodstream).
PMF can also create additional issues, such as excessive blood pressure in the artery that transports oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart (cor pulmonale right-sided heart failure is caused due to the increased pressure) - Respiratory failure is a possibility.
Note: If any of the above symptoms are present, mineworkers/ex-mining workers, and those who have been exposed to high quantities of coal dust or graphite dust for an extended length of time, should seek medical advice.
How to Eat for Healthy Lungs?
Lung disease is an all-too-common occurrence in our culture, owing to both pollution and human choices. Once again, your diet is your first line of defense against the relentless barrage of free radicals. From the standpoint of attempting to maintain your lungs healthy and from the standpoint of trying to repair ill lungs, there are two ways. This article discusses how to keep your lungs in good shape.
Promoting Lung Health:
When it comes to maintaining healthy lungs, the combination of vitamin C and magnesium appears to be a winning combo that everyone should take on a daily basis. A British study found a link between the amount of vitamin C and magnesium in the body and better outcomes on the FEV1 lung strength test. The nine-year study found that the higher the vitamin C and magnesium levels, the slower lung health deteriorates, which is adequate to prevent COPD.
Bell and chili peppers, citrus, tomatoes, peas, papayas, leafy greens, kiwis, broccoli, berries, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bok choy, pineapple, avocadoes, and persimmons are all high in Vitamin C. Spinach, swiss chard, squashes, mackerel, many types of beans, brown rice, avocadoes, yogurt, bananas, figs, dark chocolate, pears, soy cheese, black-eyed peas, most nuts, pollock, and salmon are all high in magnesium-rich foods.
Beta-cryptoxanthin is an anti-oxidant and phytochemical found in plants and animals. It appears to be particularly effective at fighting free radicals that attack the lungs. When sufficient doses of beta-cryptoxanthin are eaten, studies demonstrate a 30% reduction in the incidence of lung cancer. Papaya, mango, peaches, oranges, tangerines, bell peppers, corn, and watermelon all contain beta-cryptoxanthin.
Another study discovered a link between the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in the body and a lower risk of lung cancer. What makes these two so intriguing is that neither of them is produced by our bodies. Lutein and zeaxanthin are responsible for the yellow (low concentrations) or red (high concentrations) color of plants. Kiwi fruit, grapes, spinach, oranges, zucchini, squash, kale, collards, peas, carrots, corn, and broccoli are foods that contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. The lutein content in leafy greens is higher than the zeaxanthin content.
Epicatechin, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin, among other flavonoids, have been linked to a lower risk of lung cancer in several studies. These flavonoids are thought to aid in the prevention of angiogenesis, the process by which a tumor creates blood vessels in order to spread. Strawberry, green, and black tea all contain catechin. Brussel sprouts and apples contain kaempferol. Beans, onions, and apples all contain quercetin. Epicatechin can be found in dark chocolate, blackberries, black grapes (used to produce wine), and black/green tea.
There is a link between vitamin B6 levels (the higher the better) and a lower risk of lung cancer. According to one study, people with the greatest levels of B6 had a 56 percent lower risk of lung cancer than those with the lowest levels. The effects were considerably greater when paired with methionine, which aids the body's metabolization of B6.
Most meats, fish, and fowl, especially the organs, contain vitamin B6. Sunflower seeds, pistachio nuts, dried apricots, prunes, or raisins, bananas, avocados, spinach, beans, lentils, asparagus, lettuce, broccoli, mangoes, oranges, crab, clams, white bread, eggs, swiss cheese, and skim milk are all high in this nutrient. Nuts, beef, lamb, cheese, turkey, pork, fish, shellfish, soy, eggs, dairy, and beans all contain methionine.
Note: Because there is a correlation between high levels of methionine and cancer, this is one of those tricky areas where you'll have to make some decisions depending on your own specific risks.
Vitamin E is also significant, albeit the source from which you get it appears to be crucial. Tocopherols are the molecules that make up vitamin E. Tocopherols are divided into two types: alpha and gamma. Olive and sunflower oils contain alpha fatty acids. Corn, canola, and soybean oils all contain gamma. The gamma variant can actually harm the lungs, whereas the alpha version is actively beneficial. Alpha tocopherols have been shown in multiple studies to lessen the risk of asthma and respiratory disorders.
Vitamin E aids in the fight against free radicals by influencing the immune system to create white blood cells that leave the bloodstream and enter tissue, causing inflammation (which, it is believed, is part of the process of developing cancer). Gamma tocopherols speed up this process, weakening the lungs in the process. Alpha tocopherols help to decrease inflammation by lowering the number of white blood cells produced.
