Caplan's

Caplan's syndrome is a pulmonary disease that combines rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust. This condition is named after the American physician Anthony Caplan, who first described the syndrome in coal miners in South Wales.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Caplan's syndrome include cough, shortness of breath, and joint pain. The condition can also cause rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps under the skin that often form near the joints affected by RA.

Causes

Caplan's syndrome is caused by the combination of RA and exposure to coal, silica, or asbestos dust. The dust triggers an immune response in the lungs, leading to inflammation and the formation of rheumatoid nodules.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Caplan's syndrome is based on the presence of RA, exposure to dust, and the presence of rheumatoid nodules in the lungs. Chest X-ray and lung function tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of Caplan's syndrome focuses on managing the symptoms of RA and preventing further lung damage. This may include anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and physical therapy. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered.

See also

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pneumoconiosis
• Occupational lung disease

References

Caplan's Resources
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