| Asbestosis is a debilitating
and sometimes deadly respiratory disorder caused by inhaling
high levels of asbestos fibers , which leads to scarring of
the lung tissue and diminished breathing capacity.
Asbestosis Risks
Asbestos fibers were commonly used in insulation and other
building materials prior to 1975 when it was discovered to
cause serious and potentially fatal diseases such as asbestosis,
lung cancer , and mesothelioma .
Individuals with prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers are
among those most likely to develop asbestosis and/or other
asbestos-related diseases. Also, those who work around asbestos
fibers may carry the fibers home on their clothing, increasing
the risk to their family members. Not all individuals with
a history of asbestos exposure develop asbestosis. However,
the key to diminishing the risk is to stop asbestos exposure
altogether.
Asbestosis Symptoms
Common symptoms of asbestosis include:
* Coughing
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Tightness in chest
Other less common symptoms may include nail abnormalities
and clubbing of fingers.
Asbestosis Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step a doctor usually takes in diagnosing asbestosis
is to listen for a crackling sound in the patient's chest.
The doctor may then use a chest x-ray, CT scan of the lungs,
or pulmonary function tests to definitively establish a diagnosis
of asbestosis.
While no cure for asbestosis is currently available, a number
of treatments can help to alleviate symptoms. Some of these
supportive treatments include postural drainage, chest percussion,
and vibration - all of which serve to remove secretions from
the lungs.
To further aid respiration, doctors may prescribe aerosol
medications that thin lung secretions or employ the use of
oxygen masks.
The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with asbestosis depends
on the duration and extent of their asbestos exposure as well
as the progression of the disease. Some patients with asbestosis
develop complications such as malignant mesothelioma and pleural
effusion. Developing mesothelioma significantly decreases
an individual's chances of survival. Seventy-five percent
of those also diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma die within
one year.
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