Asbestosis is 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.
Asbestosis is a chronic and potentially lethal inflammatory disease of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure that can lead to permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung infections, heart failure, and asbestos cancer. Initial symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Dry, crackling sound while inhaling
- Chest pains
- Weakness and distress upon exertion
Asbestos Exposure
The time between first exposure to asbestos and developing 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. Any type of asbestos has potential of causing forms of asbestos lung cancer including mesothelioma. No fiber type can be considered harmless, and proper safety precautions should always be taken by people working with asbestos.
Asbestosis Secondary Infections
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 by their doctor to prevent heart disease.