Asbestosis - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs that occurs when fibers present in asbestos cause your lungs to be scarred. This scarring has the effect of restricting normal breathing which results in a dysfunction in the ability of oxygen to enter a person’s blood. Asbestosis is also known as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.

Most of the cases of asbestosis result from exposure to asbestos in various workplaces. In the US and other developed countries, asbestos exposure is regulated through various regulatory laws. The disease takes time to develop and tends to threaten lives. The number of deaths related to asbestos in the US alone is estimated to be around 200,000 by the year 2030 according to the figures estimated by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The majority of the time, asbestosis affects individuals who work or have worked in the mining, milling, manufacturing, installation, or removal of asbestos-containing products.

Asbestosis symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Swollen fingertips

Inhalation of asbestos fibers may cause them to be embedded in the lungs of a person. This, in turn, forms scar tissue. Such scarring is termed asbestosis. It makes normal breathing problematic as the lung tissue is not able to expand and contract in a normal fashion.

Those employed in industries which deal with asbestos face a much higher risk of developing the condition. Asbestos is usually associated with jobs related to fireproofing and construction. There is a lack of clarity on the laws and their implementation in the developing world but governmental agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) keeps a close watch on its use in the US. Smoking too increases the risks associated with developing asbestosis.

Asbestosis can be diagnosed in the following ways:

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan
• Pulmonary function tests
• Thoracentesis
• Bronchoscopy

Unfortunately, asbestosis still lacks treatment. However, there are several treatments in existence that help to control or lessen the disease's symptoms, including:

• Therapy: Inhalers available through prescription help to make lung congestion much less. If your breathing condition worsens, oxygen can also be given to provide assistance.
• Lifestyle changes: The goal of asbestosis treatment is to stop the symptoms from getting worse. You can accomplish this by refraining from future exposure to the substance or, if you're a smoker, by giving up the habit.
• Surgery: The possibility of a lung transplant may be considered by specialists if the disease worsens.

You should follow the given instructions to manage the symptoms of asbestosis at home:

• Quit smoking
• Drink plenty of water
• Take a healthy nutritious diet
• Do exercises regularly
• Maintain personal hygiene
• Avoid being around sick people
• Avoid breathing contaminated air

Unfortunately, a cure for asbestosis is yet to be developed. But there are in place a number of treatments that contribute towards controlling the symptoms of the disease or reduce them. Inhalers available through prescription help to make the lung congestion much less. Oxygen too can be provided to bring relief in case your breathing problem becomes acute. The treatment for asbestosis also has a focus on preventing the worsening of symptoms. This may be achieved by preventing further exposure to the material or by quitting smoking in case you happen to be a smoker. In case the condition gets out of hands, a lung transplant may be contemplated by doctors.

Factors that affect the severity and extent of the disease include:

• The time period of exposure.
• The amount of exposure.

The disease slows down once the exposure is negated. People with the disease may live for decades if there are no complications.

Asbestosis can be prevented in the following ways:

• Avoiding long-term exposure to asbestos
• Wear a respirator mask
• Go for regular check-ups
• Quit smoking
• Get vaccinated

You should immediately see a healthcare provider for asbestosis if you have the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Severe chest pain
• Unexpected weight loss

You should discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider so that they can easily evaluate and diagnose your condition. Ask them about the most suitable treatment option for you and the price of the treatment you are opting for.

People who have significant asbestosis symptoms, such as chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath, are candidates for therapy.

People with minor or no symptoms of asbestosis are not eligible for its treatment.

Surgical treatment for asbestosis may cost between Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000.

Side effects and complications of asbestosis include:

• Lung cancer
• Breathing problems
• Heart failure

Asbestosis is a disease affecting the lungs, caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, exhaustion, and swollen fingers are all signs of asbestosis. Inhaling asbestos fibres is the primary cause of asbestosis. It can be identified by X-ray, CT, and lung function tests. The treatment alternatives for asbestosis include medications, surgery and lifestyle adjustments.