What is the treatment indicated for chronic alveolitis in silicosis?

Chronic alveolitis in silicosis is characterized by ongoing inflammation and damage to the lung interstitium due to prolonged exposure to silica dust. The treatment with steroids is indicated in this case because corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation in the lungs. They can mitigate the immune response that contributes to alveolar damage and aid in improving lung function and symptoms in patients suffering from chronic alveolitis associated with silicosis.

While antibiotics may be appropriate for treating secondary infections that could arise from lung damage, they do not address the underlying inflammatory process associated with chronic alveolitis. Bronchodilators may be used to manage symptoms of airway obstruction but do not specifically target the inflammation caused by silica exposure. Oxygen therapy is often ancillary in cases of respiratory distress but does not directly address the treatment of the underlying condition of chronic alveolitis. Therefore, steroids are the most effective treatment option to manage the inflammation associated with chronic alveolitis in silicosis.