There is no cure for black lung disease, so treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Black lung, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP), is an occupational lung disease that most commonly affects miners who have inhaled dust from coal over an extended period of time.
A black lung treatment regimen will vary based on whether a person has a simple or complicated form of CWP and what specific symptoms are being experienced.
Generally speaking, medications and supplemental oxygen may be used to improve breathing and control co-existing symptoms from related conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Lung transplantation may be recommended for patients with very severe cases of black lung.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.