With single or prolonged exposure by inhalation the lungs may become sensitized to beryllium. Berylliosis has a slow onset and progression. Some people who are sensitized to beryllium may not have symptoms. Continued exposure causes the development of small inflammatory nodules, called granulomas. Of note, the authors of a 2006 study suggested that beryllium inhalation was not the only form of exposure and perhaps skin exposure was also a cause, as they found that a reduction in beryllium inhalation did not result in a reduction in chronic beryllium disease or beryllium sensitization.
Granuloma formation is seen in other diseases such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis, like berylliosis, also produces granulomas without a necrotic core, and so distinction between the two processes can be difficult.
Ultimately, this process leads to restrictive lung disease (a decrease in diffusion capacity).
The earliest symptoms are typically cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include chest pain, joint aches, weight loss, and fever.
Rarely, one can get granulomas in other organs including the liver.
The onset of symptoms can range from weeks up to tens of years from the initial exposure. In some individuals, a single exposure to beryllium can cause berylliosis.