Differential Diagnoses For Berylliosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The symptoms that occur in berylliosis patients can also be indicative of an interstitial lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The cause of this disease is not clear, but individuals who are regularly exposed to fumes and dust seem to be more susceptible to developing it. Genetic factors may also play a role in an individual's risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This disease causes mild scarring to form at the edges of a patient's lungs that eventually worsens and moves into the center region of the lungs. Severe scarring occurs when healthy lung tissues are replaced by fibrous and dense scar tissue the body uses to heal itself from chronic damage. As the scarring in the lungs progresses, the affected individual experiences functional lung problems that stop adequate amounts of oxygen from being delivered to tissues around their body. Symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are similar to those of berylliosis. Indicative symptoms of both diseases include breathlessness, weight loss, dry cough, and excessive fatigue.

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