NORD's
Washington Office
 Read about events on Capitol Hill, funding for rare-disease research, and other topics of interest from NORD's office in Washington, DC.
|
|
|
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) web site, its databases,
and the contents thereof are copyrighted by NORD. No part of the NORD web
site, databases, or the contents may be copied in any way, including but not
limited to the following: electronically downloading, storing in a retrieval
system, or redistributing for any commercial purposes without the express
written permission of NORD. Permission is hereby granted to print one hard
copy of the information on an individual disease for your personal use,
provided that such content is in no way modified, and the credit for the
source (NORD) and NORD’s copyright notice are included on the printed copy.
Any other electronic reproduction or other printed versions is strictly
prohibited.
The information in NORD's Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only. It
should never be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you have questions regarding
a medical condition, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
professional. NORD's reports provide a brief overview of rare diseases. For more specific
information, we encourage you to contact your personal physician or the agencies listed as
"Resources" on this report.
Copyright 1987, 1989, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009
Synonyms of Berylliosis
- Acute Beryllium Disease
- Beryllium Granulomatosis
- Beryllium Pneumonosis
- Beryllium Poisoning
Disorder Subdivisions
- Acute Berylliosis (Acute Beryllium Disease)
- Chronic Berylliosis (Chronic Beryllium Disease [CBD])
General Discussion
Berylliosis is a form of metal poisoning caused by inhalation of beryllium dusts, vapors, or its compounds or implantation of the substance in the skin. The toxic effects of beryllium most commonly occur due to occupational exposure. Beryllium is a metallic element used in many industries, including electronics, high-technology ceramics, metals extraction, and dental alloy preparation.
There are two forms of beryllium-induced lung disease: acute and chronic. Acute berylliosis has a sudden, rapid onset and is characterized by severe inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), coughing, increasing breathlessness (dyspnea), and other associated symptoms and findings. In addition, in some individuals, the skin or the eyes may be affected. The more common, chronic form of the disease develops more slowly and, in some cases, may not become apparent for many years after initial beryllium exposure. Chronic berylliosis is characterized by the abnormal formation of inflammatory masses or nodules (granulomas) within certain tissues and organs and widespread scarring and thickening of deep lung tissues (interstitial pulmonary fibrosis). Although granuloma development primarily affects the lungs, it may also occur within other bodily tissues and organs, such as the skin and underlying (subcutaneous) tissues or the liver. In individuals with chronic berylliosis, associated symptoms and findings often include dry coughing, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and increasing shortness of breath.
.
Organizations related to Berylliosis
- American Lung Association
1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20004
Phone #: 202-785-3355
800 #: 800-586-4872
e-mail: info@lungusa.org
Home page: http://www.lungusa.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta GA 30333
Phone #: 404-639-3534
800 #: 800-232-4636
e-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Home page: http://www.cdc.gov/
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
- NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
6610 Rockledge Drive
MSC 6612
Bethesda MD 20892-6612
Phone #: 301-496-5717
800 #: --
e-mail: N/A
Home page: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
|
|
