What Is Asbestosis?
A reaction of the lung to the presence of asbestos fibers which, having reached the
bronchioles and air sacs, cause a fibrous thickening of the tissue, mainly in the lower
parts of the lung.
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About Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic and potentially lethal inflammatory disease of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos that can lead to permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung infections, and heart failure. Initial symptoms are shortness of breath, later leading to coughing and perhaps a dry crackling sound while inhaling. Chest pains may or may not develop, but the victim eventually becomes weak and distressed upon exertion and, later, even at rest. The time between first exposure to asbestos and the development of asbestosis is typically 15 to 25 years but may be as long as 40 to 45 years. Nevertheless, the key to successful treatment of asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, lies in early detection.
It is known that longer and/or more concentrated exposure to
asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestosis. Those who may not have worked
directly with asbestos but whose jobs were located near heavily contaminated areas have
developed the disease. Results of several studies also suggest that different types of
asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, crocidolite and amosite are more likely than
chrysotile to cause
asbestosis, lung cancer, and, in particular, mesothelioma. Nevertheless, no fiber type can
be considered harmless, and proper safety precautions should always be taken by people
working with asbestos.
The health problems caused by asbestosis are due mainly to
lung infections, like pneumonia, that attack weakened lungs. Early medical attention and
prompt, aggressive treatment offer the best chance of success in controlling such
infections. Depending on the situation, doctors may give a vaccine against influenza or
pneumococcal pneumonia as a protective measure.
Because the scarring of lung tissue associated with asbestosis
diminishes the capacity of the lungs to supply oxygen to the heart, sufferers of
asbestosis are also at increased risk of developing heart disease. Asbestosis patients are
strongly advised to stop smoking and take other measures recommended to prevent heart
disease.
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