If you have these problems and they do not go away, see your doctor.

If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to make a special trip to the doctor.

Chronic Beryllium Disease

Chronic beryllium disease is a rare disease that only occurs in a small percentage of people who have been exposed to beryllium.

The amount of exposure to beryllium (the dose) plays a role in the development and severity of the disease. However, sensitization (an allergy-type reaction) to beryllium is a major factor. Hence, a small number of people will develop chronic beryllium disease even with minimal beryllium exposure.

Chronic beryllium disease often causes scarring of the lungs. Doctors can sometimes see these scars on chest x-rays. The scars may make it difficult to breathe. A simple breathing test tells your doctor how well your lungs are working.

Although there is no cure for chronic beryllium disease, corticosteroids (not the type used by athletes) can often control the symptoms. However, these drugs have side effects. Thus, they mustbe used under the care of a doctor.

If you have chronic beryllium disease or other chronic lung problems, you should ask your doctor to give you a flu shot every fall. You should also make sure that you have been vaccinated against pneumonia.

Lung Cancer

If lung cancer is present, it may also show up on the chest x-ray.

If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she will do other tests.

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancers can often be detected early by having your dentist examine your mouth. Ask your dentist to check your mouth for cancer at your regular checkup.

Preventing Lung and Mouth Cancer

Smoking causes lung and mouth cancers and may make the symptoms of chronic beryllium disease worse. You should not smoke. Chewing tobacco causes mouth cancer. You should not chew tobacco. Many organizations have programs that can help you quit.