Chronic
beryllium disease (also known as CBD or berylliosis) may be treated‚
but not cured. Adrenocortical steroids can reduce inflammation of
the lung tissue. Physicians most commonly prescribe the steroid prednisone
to treat the disease. Other steroids such as dexamethasone
or prednisolone
may also be useful.
Although steroids are the main treatment for berylliosis‚ they
do have side—effects such as weight gain‚ thinning of the bones
and a weakened immune system. Some patients do well on steroids;
others may not be able to tolerate the medication. A successful
alternative to steroid treatment has not yet been found.
Mechanical ventilation of the lungs and
administration of oxygen may be necessary in advanced cases of berylliosis.
In severely affected patients‚ lung transplants may be the only
option.
Beryllium exposure may also lead to less serious
health problems such as wounds that result when beryllium particles
become embedded in the skin through a scrape or cut. In order for
these wounds to heal‚ a physician must remove the particles.
Consult your physician for more treatment information. Also see
a discussion about testing and a list
of medical centers that treat
chronic beryllium disease and beryllium—related health problems.
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