Explanation
•Simple silicosis: The patient was exposed to low concentrations of silica and is usually asymptomatic. Abnormalities are usually detected on x-ray.
•Accelerated silicosis: Rapidly progessing symptoms and x-ray changes.
•Complicated silicosis: Severe scarring and fibrosis of the lung tissue.
•Acute silicosis: Develops within a few years after exposure to silica dust. Characterized by rapid onset of dypnea, cough, and weight loss. X-ray reveals a ground-glass appearance.