Question 1

how is berylliosis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Complex: The evaluation to see if beryllium exposure is producing illness is actually quite complex.  It involves a number of specialized blood tests and may even require lavage specimens obtained during bronchoscopy.  For starters, documentation of significant exposure to beryllium would be helpful.

Question 2

what are the tests for berylliosis?

Accepted Answer

Blood and biopsy: A blood test can be performed that shows evidence of sensitization to beryllium using something celled the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (belpt). Belpt can also be performed on bronchoalveolar lavage (bal) washings. Lastly, a lung biopsy can also be performed in certain cases to help make the diagnosis.

Question 3

describe the features of berylliosis.?

Accepted Answer

Berylliosis: Inhalation of beryllium (be) has been associated with 2 pulmonary syndromes, which are an acute chemical pneumonitis and a granulomatous lung disease known as chronic beryllium disease (cbd), or berylliosis. Cbd continues to occur in industries where beryllium is manufactured and processed and workers are exposed to beryllium fumes or dust. See more at: http://emedicine.Medscape.Com/article/296759.

Question 4

what should i do if i have berylliosis?

Accepted Answer

No easy cure: I trust you have an attorney and that you are not a smoker. Whether to try corticosteroids or methotrexate for severe cases is controversial. If you are in need of a lung transplant, I hope you are able to get this. If you merely have some exposure and possibly some x-ray lesions but feel well, be thankful for good heath and go on with your life, expecting little or no further trouble.

Question 5

what's the significance of having berylliosis?

Accepted Answer

Beryylium disease: The significance is that the individual now has been diagnosed with a medical condition that may or may not require treatment. "berylliosis" is an old term used to signify acute pulmonary beryllium disease where the person had a fairly large exposure, usually to a more dissolvable form. Chronic beryllium disease typically occurs after frequent but mostly smaller exposures to less soluble forms.

Question 6

what symptoms typically go along with berylliosis?

Accepted Answer

Often none, but...: Berylllium (used in the aerospace industry, and long ago in fluorescent light-bulb production) is a heavy metal that some can react to with an immune response. Since it is inhaled  the response can affect the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. The immune response can cause scarring that leads to cough, shortness of breath, and enlarged lymph nodes (which by themselves are harmless).

Question 7

i know some people are more likely to get berylliosis than others. which ones?

Accepted Answer

Occupational: This is an occupational disorder. Older (decades ago) flourescent light bulbs were made with berylium (be). Nowdays it is used mostly in aerospace manufacturing. People in jet engine plants for high-speed aircraft, missiles, space vehicles and satellites. Its lightweight, and strong. People working in these industries are more likely to come into contact with be dust.

Question 8

i saw a doctor who diagnosed berylliosis. now he wants to do treatment. i suspect he is churning. what is significance of the condition?

Accepted Answer

Beryllium Disease: First, i'd want to know what your exposure was. Second, i'd want to know if you're symptomatic. Third, i'd want to know how you were diagnosed. Not all beryllium disease is symptomatic and therefore does not necessarily require treatment. The most important form of treatment is removal from further exposure. If you are symptomatic, then medical management may be necessary.

Question 9

what is the most commonly used drug in the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: but I bet analgesics are way up there.

Question 10

whats the drug of choice among returning veterans?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol: Unfortunately the old stand-by, alcohol, is still #1 with veterans.  Many have exposure to pain medications like ocycontin and some have a problem with marijuana.  But alcohol is the biggie.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Medicine for berylliosis

A member asked:

How is berylliosis diagnosed?

A member asked:

What are the tests for berylliosis?

A member asked:

Describe the features of berylliosis.?

A member asked:

What should i do if i have berylliosis?

A member asked:

What's the significance of having berylliosis?

A member asked:

What symptoms typically go along with berylliosis?

A member asked:

I know some people are more likely to get berylliosis than others. which ones?

A member asked:

I saw a doctor who diagnosed berylliosis. now he wants to do treatment. i suspect he is churning. what is significance of the condition?

A member asked:

What is the most commonly used drug in the u.s.?

A member asked:

Whats the drug of choice among returning veterans?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?