Bauxite fibrosis | |
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Other names | Shaver's disease, Corundum smelter's lung, Bauxite lung or Bauxite smelters' disease, Bauxite pneumoconiosis |
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Bauxite with unweathered rock core | |
Specialty | Pulmonology ![]() |
Bauxite fibrosis is a progressive form of pneumoconiosis usually caused by occupational exposure to bauxite fumes which contain aluminium and silica particulates.[1]
It is typically seen in workers involved in the smelting of bauxite to produce corundum.[2]
Initially, the disease appears as alveolitis, and then progresses to emphysema.[3]
Patients may develop pneumothorax (collapsed lung).[citation needed]
Diagnosis depends on chest X-rays, lung function tests, and history.[citation needed]
Upper RT (including URTIs, common cold) |
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Lower RT/ lung disease (including LRTIs) |
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Pleural cavity/ mediastinum |
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Other/general |