ASBESTOSIS
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestosis is one form of lung disease related to asbestos inhalation. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a variety of diseases, from thickening of the lining of the lungs, which is usually asymptomatic, to malignant mesothelioma (a cancer arising from the lining of the lung).
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract (elasticity) normally. The severity of the respiratory disease depends upon the duration of exposure and the amount inhaled.
Asbestos-related disease includes pleural mesothelioma plaques (calcification), malignant (cancerous) tumor called mesotheliomas--see mesothelioma (malignant), and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 to 40 years after exposure. More than 9 million workers are at risk of developing this disease. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.What are the Symptoms of Asbestosis?
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shortness of breath on exertion
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cough
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tightness in the chest
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chest pain
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nail abnormalities or clubbing of fingers may occur
How is Asbestosis Diagnosed?
Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) reveals a crackling sound. These tests also help diagnose the disease:
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a chest X-ray
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pulmonary function tests
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a CT scan of the lungs
This disease may also alter the results of the following test:
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ACE levels
What is the Treatment for Asbestosis?
There is no cure available. Stopping further exposure to asbestos is indicated. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions may be prescribed. Oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils (cannula) may be needed.
Additional Asbestos Information:
Asbestos Lawsuits, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Asbestos Cancer, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Materials, Asbestos Safety, Asbestos Litigation, Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Risk, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment, AHERA, ASHAA, NESHAP, Asbestos Attorneys, Mesothelioma Lawyers
Find an Asbestos Lawyer or Mesothelioma Lawyer to help with your asbestos lawsuit or mesothelioma lawsuit.
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