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Asbestosis Basics
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Cause And Definition
Asbestosis is the scarring of the lungs due to inhaling and retaining asbestos fibers. Unlike cancers caused by asbestos, such as mesothelioma, which require minimal exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, asbestosis develops in people with prolonged exposure. This disease weakens the lungs and makes them and other internal organs more susceptible to various diseases.
Though smoking by itself does not cause asbestosis, smokers who are exposed to asbestos are about 90% more likely to contract the disease than non-smokers with equal exposure.
Symptoms And Signs
Symptoms of asbestosis do not begin to appear until 20 or more years after original asbestos exposure. The first and most common symptom is shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, and based on severity, symptoms may include:
- Dry cough
- Chest discomfort
- Rails (crackling when breathing)
- Finger clubbing
- Cyanosis (caused by lack of oxygen)
Diagnosis
There are many lung diseases whose symptoms are similar to that of asbestosis. Proper diagnosis of asbestosis includes knowledge of sufficient asbestos exposure and absence of other fibrotic diseases. To obtain diagnosis, doctors use X-rays, CT scans, and function tests. Findings that lead to diagnosis are:
- Lung capacity reduction
- Reduction of flow rate through small airway
- Thickening of the pleura (lining around lungs)
- Visualization of fibrosis
- Visualization of asbestos bodies
Treatment
There is no cure or treatment for asbestosis. The most effective ways of stabilizing or limiting the progression of asbestosis are to quite smoking and extinguish asbestos exposure. Immunizations against influenza and pneumonia may be given, as weakened lungs are prone to such diseases. Additionally, supplemental oxygen may be given to patients who need it.
Common name: Asbestosis
Tech. Name: Pleural Fibrosis (caused by asbestos exposure)
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