What is Asbestosis?

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 mesothelioma 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.