Workers with silicosis often present with non-specific respiratory symptoms, such as cough and shortness āāāof breath; they may also be asymptomatic in early stages of disease.
Providers should ask patients about their work and consider silicosis in both asymptomatic and symptomatic countertop fabrication workers. Silicosis can be diagnosed using imaging, such as chest x-ray and chest CT, and pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and diffusing capacity. Pulmonary and occupational medicine providers should be included inā diagnosis and care.