Objective: Pneumoconiosis is characterized by chronic inflammatory responses triggered by the accumulation of dust and fine particulate matter in the lungs, resulting in damage to the pulmonary parenchyma and airways and potentially leading to pulmonary fibrosis over time. Patients frequently present with chronic dyspnea as the primary symptom, and the degree of pulmonary function impairment is assessed through spirometry and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) to determine disease severity. As current therapeutic approaches primarily focus on symptom control, prevention of complications, and attenuation of pulmonary function decline, clinical strategies aimed at regulating inflammation, enhancing antioxidant activity, and improving microcirculation are of considerable clinical importance.
Case Report: This case report describes a Korean male patient in his seventies who was diagnosed with Grade 1 pneumoconiosis after prolonged occupational exposure in a coal mining environment. Despite prolonged hospitalization and pharmacological treatment, his dyspnea and accompanying symptoms did not improve, and Ortho-Cellular Nutrition Therapy (OCNT) was subsequently administered. The intervention included anthocyanins, omega-3 fatty acids, radish seeds, chlorella, magnesium, and trace minerals. Following the intervention, marked improvements were observed in both dyspnea and associated symptoms.
Conclusion: As this case report was based on a single patient, there are inherent limitations in generalizing the application of OCNT to other patients with the same condition. Nevertheless, the observation of symptomatic relief in a patient with restrictive pulmonary function impairment, as seen in pneumoconiosis, is considered meaningful because it suggests the potential value of a multifaceted clinical approach to disease management.