Differential Diagnoses For Berylliosis

Berylliosis is a type of poisoning caused by the implantation of a toxic substance called beryllium into an individual's skin, or by the inhalation of beryllium vapors or dust. Berylliosis is a disease that is most often the result of occupational exposure to the metallic element of which is utilized in high-technology ceramic, electronic, dental alloy preparation, and metal extraction industries. Symptoms that occur in individuals affected by both acute and chronic berylliosis include breathing difficulties, sore throat, coughing, rhinitis, runny nose, chest pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, lymph node enlargement, and tracheobronchitis. Most symptoms that manifest in berylliosis patients branch from the effects of severe lung damage resulting from the widespread inflammation caused by exposure to the toxin beryllium. There are numerous other diseases and disorders with similar manifestations to berylliosis that should be considered prior to diagnosis.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes an affected individual's airways to swell, become narrowed, and produce excess mucus. While symptoms vary from case to case, they may resemble those that occur in individuals who have berylliosis. Usually, an allergen is responsible for this abnormal mechanism that occurs in those with asthma. Asthma can be situational with flare-ups only occurring under certain conditions such as in certain climates, at the workplace, or around pet dander. Without proper medical intervention with medication, an asthma attack can become serious and life-threatening to the affected individual. There is no cure for asthma, but the condition can be controlled and managed by careful monitoring and taking certain precautions. Some of the symptoms of berylliosis are also characteristic of those in individuals who have asthma. These manifestations include situational breathlessness, coughing attacks, difficulty with breathing, chest pain, and tightness in the chest.

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