Berylliosis

Berylliosis (chronic beryllium disease) is a granulomatous lung disease from beryllium exposure (aerospace/electronics/dental), presenting with dyspnea, cough, fatigue, hilar lymphadenopathy, and noncaseating granulomas (mimicking sarcoid). Treatment: avoid further beryllium exposure; systemic corticosteroids in symptomatic/progressive; pulmonary rehab; oxygen; treat complications; monitor for progression; beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test for diagnosis.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea/cough/fatigue; hilar lymphadenopathy; noncaseating granulomas; beryllium exposure

Causes and Pathogenesis

Cellular immune reaction to beryllium causes noncaseating granulomas and interstitial fibrosis.

Treatment

Avoid exposure; systemic steroids in symptomatic/progressive; rehab; treat complications

Preventive Measures

Occupational beryllium exposure control; screening.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Occupational-medicine/Rheumatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.