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Asbestosis
Medical Questions » Asbestosis
| Name: Asbestosis |
| Also known as: |
| A lung disease caused by the inhalation of fine asbestos particles over a prolonged period of time. |
Causes of Asbestosis
Asbestos particles are long, thin filaments, that easily become trapped in the small air tubes (bronchi oles) of the lung. The lower part of the lungs is most commonly affected, and it occurs almost exclusively in asbestos factory workers, processors and miners who inhale free-floating particles of asbestos in their workplace. Swallowing small amounts of asbestos or touching asbestos in any form is harmless. Smoking will aggravate the condition. |
Symptoms of Asbestosis
Sufferers develop shortness of breath, cough, and in advanced cases, blue lips and swollen finger tips. As the disease progresses the patient may have no exercise tolerance and suffer symptoms similar to severe asthma or emphysema. |
Tests for Asbestosis
Easily diagnosed on chest X-ray. |
Treatment for Asbestosis
None available other than removing the person from exposure to further asbestos dust and performing regular chest X-rays to detect mesothelioma as early as possible.
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Complications of Asbestosis of its treatment
Mesothelioma (see separate entry), a rapidly progressive form of lung cancer. |
Likely Outcome of Asbestosis
7% of those with asbestosis develop mesothelioma. Others suffer from varying degrees of lung impairment. |
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