The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough. persistent shortness of breath. weakness and tiredness.

What are the side effects of silicosis?

These commonly include bronchitis-like symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.

How does silicosis affect the body?

In acute silicosis, the lungs become swollen (inflamed) and can fill with fluid. This causes severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen. In chronic silicosis, the silica dust causes areas of swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes, which makes breathing more difficult.