Living with Chronic beryllium disease
A lung disease that develops in some people who become sensitive to beryllium, a metal they were exposed to at work or in the environment.
Understanding Chronic beryllium disease
It occurs in some people who develop beryllium sensitization, an immune response to beryllium exposure at work or in the environment. The sensitization comes first, and lung disease may follow. GARD lists onset in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Shortness of breath
- Ongoing dry cough
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Jewish Health Beryllium Program may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Jewish Health Beryllium Program
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Jewish Health Beryllium Program
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it occurs in people who develop an immune response (sensitization) to beryllium from work or environmental exposure.
Also known as: berylliosis; beryllium granuloma; beryllium poisoning; chronic berylliosis; chronic beryllium lung; chronic beryllium lung disease
Patient organizations
- National Jewish Health Beryllium ProgramChronic beryllium disease · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chronic beryllium disease.
Explore research for Chronic beryllium disease
Explore actively recruiting Chronic beryllium disease studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Chronic beryllium disease with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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