Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis: Symptoms

Simple coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, usually detectable on chest imaging, may produce no symptoms and very little loss of lung function. The more complicated and severe form of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis known as progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) leads to an increasing loss of lung function and respiratory symptoms of shortness of breath and cough. In advanced cases of coal worker’s pneumoconiosis other organs, particularly the heart, may be affected.