Pain Management

At this time there is no cure for silicosis, but managing the pain you experience might become very important. Several options are available to help you deal with pain.

Develop a plan

Once you have described your pain, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Doctors normally prescribe medicines as the first line of defense for treating silicosis pain. Those may include opioids (called narcotics, the strongest possible pain relievers), non-opioids (such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs), and adjuvant analgesics (medicines not primarily designed to relieve pain but that can help do so in some situations). Approaches such as relaxation techniques or biofeedback, physical therapy, anesthesia procedures, and surgical procedures can also help treat some silicosis pain.

Non-opioids

Non-opioids like acetaminophen (e.g., TylenolŪ), and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen - best for mild pain - can relieve superficial pain, muscle pain, and some other types of pain. Be careful not to exceed the maximum daily dose; too much may cause significant side effects such as organ damage. Side effects vary, but in general NSAIDs can lead to toxicity in the digestive system, and even to ulcers and bleeding. They must be used cautiously if you have any bleeding or clotting disorders as they slow the blood's ability to clot.

Opioids

Opioids (including codeine, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone) vary in their ability to relieve pain but in general are excellent medicines for helping with pain caused by silicosis. Opioids (morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, and levorphanol) may be given orally or intravenously. But they can have side effects, so it's important to have your doctor regulate the dosage for you.

Adjuvant Analgesics

A variety of adjuvant analgesics (medicines designed for other purposes) may help relieve some kinds of pain. Certain antidepressants relieve neuropathic pain as well as decrease depression. Anticonvulsants (normally used for seizures) can help with relieving tingling and burning pain, such as neuropathic pain. Steroids can help with pain that's connected with swelling. Ask your doctor what type of medicine you should use for the specific pain you have.