Medical Issues:
Treatment
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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