Asbestosis Overview

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers become lodged within the inner layers of the lung, where they result in scarring which impairs the functioning of the lung.
Unlike mesothelioma, which can also be caused by asbestos, it is not a form of cancer.
Nonetheless, it is a serious health issue. The exact number of people who suffer from asbestosis is difficult to calculate, since many cases are misdiagnosed. However, an average of approximately 500-600 Americans die as a result of this disease every year.
Asbestos has gained notoriety for the health problems it can cause, but it is only dangerous if inhaled. Therefore, although many homes built in the United States prior to the 1970s used asbestos for insulation and other purposes, note that simply living in a home that contains asbestos does not put someone at high risk.
Unless such asbestos is disturbed, it does not enter the air and cannot be inhaled. That is why asbestosis is considered an occupational disease—only those who work with asbestos for many years are likely to inhale enough of it to cause a problem.
It typically takes high levels of asbestos exposure, or exposure over a long period of time, to contract asbestosis. Occupations which can result in contact with a sufficient amount of asbestos include (but are not limited to) miner, shipbuilder, construction worker, railroad worker, auto mechanic, and electrician. In addition, there is some evidence to indicate that the risk is also higher for those who live with someone who works around asbestos.
There is usually a long period of time between a person’s contracting the disease and the moment that symptoms first appear—20-30 years or more in some cases. Therefore, even though there are now many federal regulations against the use of asbestos and asbestos products, someone may still begin exhibiting symptoms today if he or she came into contact with asbestos in the past.
The primary symptom is shortness of breath. This usually appears gradually. At first, the sufferer will have breathing problems only when exerting him- or herself physically, but later breathing will become more and more difficult even at rest.
As the disease progresses, the patient may also experience chest pain and persistent coughing. In advanced cases, there may also be finger clubbing, where the fingertips become more round and spread out.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, but some therapies, including oxygen therapy, can alleviate a patient’s breathing problems. Because it can make the patient more sensitive to certain other diseases, he or she will need regular medical care, including annual vaccines for influenza and immunization against pneumonia.
Quitting smoking, always a good idea, becomes even more important for those with asbestosis, as they have a much greater chance of contracting lung cancer. Severe cases may make a patient eligible for a lung transplant.
Someone who has worked with asbestos and who believes he or she may have asbestosis should see a doctor immediately. He or she may also wish to explore legal options, which may provide compensation for those who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses.