Understanding Asbestosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Asbestosis

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Asbestosis is a lung disease that develops when asbestos fibers cause inflammation and scarring in your lungs. The scarring restricts your breathing and interferes with the ability of oxygen to enter your bloodstream. Many cases originate from workplace exposure to asbestos. This disease takes years to develop and can be life threatening. Complications may include respiratory failure, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary hypertention that may lead to a heart disease.

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Signs & symptoms

The signs and symptoms of asbestosis typically manifest after a significant amount of time has passed following asbestos exposure. These may include: * shortness of breath * tightness in the chest * cough * finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)

Diagnosis

diagnostic means may include: * history of asbestos exposure * physical examination - your doctor will usually use a stethoscope to listen for abnormal breath sounds. They will also measure your oxygen level in your blood * imaging studies – chest X-ray, CT. * pulmonary (lung) function test - to measure the amount of air you can inhale and the airflow to and from your lungs * lung biopsy

Treatment

Asbestosis can’t be cured. However, there are a few treatments that can help control the disease or reduce symptoms. These include: * Supplemental oxygen * inhaled medications * avoiding further exposure to asbestos and quitting smoking if you do. * Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination * Lung transplant in severe cases

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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