Silicosis

[polearch]

I have smoked for 40 years and also worked underground mining for 20years and about 25 years as a rock driller in an open pit coal mine How easy is it to tell the difference by x-ray or have a Bronchoscopy or could they tell them apart an what would they look like.

[ludo]

I've had a bronchoscope. It's a little camera which goes up your nose and down your bronchial tubes into your lungs. Biopsies can be taken if needed if anything of concern is found.

[polearch in reply to ludo]

Thank you for your reply very interesting as I am going to have one soon do they put you out to do this or give you a sedative

[ludo in reply to polearch]

I wasn't put out but it was fine. They spray the back of your throat with numbing agent which tastes like bananas. Then they gently glide the scope through your nose. The camera allows them to see the process. If your worried it's worth discussing it with them and maybe they could give you sedation. Good luck. Hope alls well.

[ludo]

Sorry the scope goes via your mouth not nose.

[polearch in reply to ludo]

Thanks for your help Ludo I will keep in touch on the results