ANTHRACOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Anthracosis is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by the accumulation of carbonaceous particles, known as coal dust or soot, within the lungs and respiratory tract. It is predominantly caused by long-term exposure to inhaled air pollutants, such as coal dust, graphite, or carbon dust, usually occurring as a result of occupational or environmental exposure.
When a person inhales these fine particles, they can become trapped and accumulate in the airways and lung tissue. Over time, this accumulation can lead to inflammation and irritation, primarily affecting coal miners, industrial workers, or individuals living in heavily polluted areas.
The symptoms of anthracosis may vary depending on the severity and duration of exposure. Generally, individuals with this condition may experience persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Although it is not considered a life-threatening condition, it can increase the risk of developing respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Accurate diagnosis of anthracosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans. Treatment primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing further exposure to air pollutants. This may involve the use of bronchodilators or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and relieve breathing difficulties.
In conclusion, anthracosis is a respiratory condition caused by the inhalation and accumulation of carbonaceous particles in the lungs. It is associated with chronic exposure to air pollutants and can lead to respiratory symptoms and an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases.
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A form of pulmonary dust-disease or pneumonoconiosis, due to the inhalation of coal-dust; coal-miners' disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTHRACOSIS
- znthracosis
- snthracosis
- wnthracosis
- qnthracosis
- abthracosis
- amthracosis
- ajthracosis
- ahthracosis
- anrhracosis
- anfhracosis
- anghracosis
- anyhracosis
- an6hracosis
- an5hracosis
- antgracosis
- antbracosis
- antnracosis
- antjracosis
- anturacosis
Etymology of ANTHRACOSIS
The word "anthracosis" originates from the Greek roots "anthrakēs" (ἄνθραξ), meaning "coal", and "ōsis" (ὠσις), indicating "condition" or "disease". Therefore, "anthracosis" literally translates to "coal condition" or "coal disease". This term is specifically used in medical contexts to describe a condition where the lungs accumulate coal dust or carbon particles due to inhalation, often associated with chronic exposure to industrial or environmental pollutants.
Similar spelling words for ANTHRACOSIS
- anthracite,
- anthropologist,
- anthropoid,
- antheraea,
- anthraxes,
- anthropoidea,
- anthriscus,
- anthropical,
- anthracoses,
- anhydrosis,
- anthropic,
- anhidrosis,
- anthropoidal,
- anthracitic.
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