Chalicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis affecting the lungs or bronchioles, found mainly among stonecutters.^[1] The disease is caused by the inhalation of fine particles of stone.^[2] The term is from Greek, χάλιξ, gravel.

Risk factors

Occupations with significant exposure to stone dust are at an increased risk of chalicosis include:

• Millers^[3][1]

• Miners^[3][1]
• Stone cutters and stone masons^[3][4]
• Quarry workers^[3][4]
• Pottery and porcelain casters^[3][1]
• Tunneller/tunnel workers^[3]
• Foundry workers^[3]
• Plasterers^[4]

• Carpenters^[1]

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chalicosis are slow to develop and thus patients may not show signs of incapacity until years after exposure.^[4] It may even take up to 10 years before manifestations of the disorder are present.^[3] Signs and symptoms include:

• Dyspnea (uncomfortable breathing sensation/shortness of breath) aggravated by exertion^[3][4]
• Chronic, non-productive cough^[3]
• Expelled matter, such as phlegm, from the throat or lungs stained gray, black, or red^[4]
• Wheezing^[3]
• Loss of appetite^[1]
• Fatigue^[1]
• Emaciation^[1]
• Soreness in stomach region^[1]
• General malaise^[1]

Treatment and Prevention

There is no definitive cure for chalicosis,^[5] nor is there a specific targeted therapy.^[3] Current treatment of this lung disorder primarily involves managing respiratory symptoms, associated comorbidities, and complications, with the overarching goal of enhancing the patient's quality of life.^[5][3] These include:

Acute pharmacotherapies

• Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that can be used for acute management of chalicotic symptoms.^[3][5]They are not recommended for chronic management.^[3]

Chronic pharmacotherapies

• Whole lung lavage uses saline solution to wash out lodged particles in the lungs.^[5]
• Bronchodilators dilate the bronchi and bronchioles to increase airflow to the lungs.^[5][3]
• Oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen is a medical treatment that provides extra oxygen, often to prevent complications of chronic hypoxemia.^[3][5]
• Pulmonary rehabilitation is a therapeutic concept which utilizes a series of services to aid improved breathing.^[5]
• Antifibrotics.^[3]
• Smoking cessation.^[3]

• Lung transplantation is a last resort in which one lung, both, or damaged lung tissue are replaced with a donor during a surgical procedure.^[5]