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No Cure For Asbestosis No cure exists for asbestosis, but treatments can help to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Smoking can increase the risk for asbestosis. Shipyard workers, construction workers and military veterans who have worked with asbestos-containing building materials are among the group most at risk of developing this deadly lung disease. The first sign is persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Advanced cases can cause pulmonary hypertension or clubbing of fingers. Symptoms When workers handle asbestos-containing materials, microscopic fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibres eventually irritate lung tissue, which causes it to stiffen and make breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis, or pulmonary fibrosis, one of more than 200 forms of interstitial lung disease. People who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time are the most susceptible to developing this lung disease. The symptoms don't appear until decades after exposure and can vary in severity from mild to severe. The most frequent symptoms are an ongoing cough, chest pain and breathlessness. In certain instances the lungs may develop a build-up of fluid in the pleural space. This produces a whistling sound known as inspiratory crackles when someone breathes. Those who have asbestosis are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, which is cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen. It can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of both conditions, which usually have similar symptoms, such as a thickening and scarring of the lung, cough, shortness of breath and a lump in the chest. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing breathing difficulties. This will help prevent the condition from getting worse and may help your doctor determine the cause. Your doctor will examine your medical background, work history and lung function tests to arrive at an assessment. X-rays and CT scans are used to determine the extent of lung damage. If your doctor recommends an X-ray biopsy, if they reveal an lung tumor or nodule, it is probable they will recommend one. This involves inserting a needle into the lung to extract a small amount of tissue. This can be an unpleasant procedure, but is necessary to rule out lung lesions caused by other diseases like mesothelioma and other lung cancers. It's also recommended that patients who suffer from asbestosis receive the pneumococcus and pneumonia vaccines in order to ensure that they are protected from infections in their weak lungs. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos may cause scarring known as asbestosis. It usually takes 20 to 30 years after exposure before symptoms appear however it could take even longer. The substance is made up of microscopic fibres that are introduced into the lungs when you breathe into. These fibres stick in the lungs, stiffening and causing scarring on the lung. The lungs eventually get weaker and you'll be unable to breathe. Asbestos was extensively used in the manufacturing and construction industries prior to its ban. A doctor can diagnose your condition by reviewing the medical history you have provided and performing physical examination. During the examination the doctor will use an stethoscope to observe your lungs while you breathe. If they hear crackling sounds, they will suspect that you are suffering from asbestosis. Doctors can also check the lungs using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. These scans will reveal any signs of damage to the lungs like scarring, and can help narrow down the diagnosis. They may also ask about your work history to determine if you were exposed to asbestos. If your doctor suspects that you have asbestosis, they will order chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests to measure how well you breathe. Fort Collins asbestos attorney can aid in determining other conditions that can cause breathing problems like emphysema, or Idiopathic lung fibrosis. Both X-rays (and PFTs) can reveal any irregularities within the structure of your lungs. The lungs are made up of main airways referred to as bronchi. These bronchi branch into smaller passageways, and then tiny sacs called alveoli. The lungs are a key organ for absorbing oxygen and can only be effective in this capacity when they are free of scar tissue. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor will recommend treatments to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. This may include oxygen therapy that is supplemental. It is delivered via thin tubing with prongs that fit into your nostrils or a mask. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program for pulmonary rehabilitation that will instruct you on exercises and methods for changing your daily habits that can aid in breathing easier. In advanced instances, doctors can take a small amount of lung tissue to test whether asbestos is present. However, it is an invasive procedure and is not recommended. Treatment Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lungs (fibrosis), which restricts breathing and makes it difficult to breathe. Asbestos is a mineral which is found in a variety of factories and structures. It takes a long time for symptoms to appear. This is why people who work in industries like boilermakers and shipbuilders should speak to their doctor if they have breathing problems. The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis are former workers in the building and manufacturing industries. The earliest symptoms of the condition are typically a constant cough and shortness of breath, as well as chest pain. Patients with severe cases can develop clubbing of the fingers which causes them to become wider and rounder than normal. This can sometimes cause heart or lung complications. The first step to treating asbestosis is visiting an expert doctor who will listen to your lung using the stethoscope and ask you to provide your working background. If you are experiencing symptoms that are present, they will refer you to a specialist in lung diseases for additional tests. Inform your doctor of any other illnesses you may have and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is because the condition can be misdiagnosed as other lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A biopsy is a test that allows specialists to determine whether you suffer from asbestosis. They will use a small needle to remove tissue or fluid from your lungs and then examine it with an magnifying glass to see if there are indications of fibrosis. They might also test for other diseases that could be present, like mesothelioma and other cancers that could cause similar symptoms to asbestosis, such as pleural plaques. Once asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors can treat any underlying fibrosis to improve breathing and quality of life. They may recommend a humidifier, oxygen therapy or medication to help you breathe easier and lessen the coughing. They may also advise that you should stop smoking since it can cause the condition to worsen. In very serious cases, some patients may need an organ transplant to improve their breathing ability and prolong their lives. Prognosis Asbestosis is incurable once it is developed. However, treatment can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life. It is essential to follow your health care provider's guidelines for managing the disease. It is also important to not smoke because smoking cigarettes can make the condition worse. Asbestosis is an illness that results from long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, which causes the lungs to become scarred and stiff. Blue (or crocidolite) brown, white and blue asbestos are more harmful than each other. When asbestos is mined, it is a thin fibrous substance which can be split into fibres. When the material is cut, drilled, broken or deteriorates, it releases fibres into the air. When workers breathe in the fibres, they may become trapped in their lungs, which can lead to scarring of the lung and stiffening. The disease progresses slowly and it can take 20 years or more before the first symptoms appear. When symptoms begin to manifest, they usually become worse over time. The scarring of the lungs is permanent, however, avoidance of contact with the lungs can lessen the severity. It is essential to talk to your health professional in the event that you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos. Your medical history and occupation will be examined to determine whether exposure to asbestos is a risk. During the physical exam the doctor will use the stethoscope in order to listen to your lungs, and will note any crackling noises. They will also look for any signs of clubbing in the toes and fingers as a sign of asbestosis. They may also request chest X-rays that show advanced asbestosis, which is manifested as excessive whiteness of the lung tissue. Asbestosis is, although not a cancerous form it can be associated with pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that occurs in the lining lining the lungs. The chances of developing pleural mesothelioma are increased after being diagnosed with asbestosis. A well-balanced diet, ample rest and exercise can aid in managing asbestosis. Certain medications, such as those that reduce the size of the lungs and ease chest pain, can be helpful. A pulmonologist can assist patients with treatment options that include supplemental oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. It is essential to keep up with vaccinations, such as the ones for pneumococcal and influenza because asbestosis can increase the risk of infection.