Asbestosis

Description

Asbestosis (as-bes-TOE-sis) is a chronic lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can cause scarring of the lung tissue and difficulty breathing. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually do not appear until many years after the initial exposure.

Asbestos is a natural mineral product that's resistant to heat and corrosion. It was widely used in the past in products such as insulation, cement and a few floor tiles.

The majority of people with asbestosis acquired on the job before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the early 1970s. Today, its handling is strictly regulated. Get asbestosis is very unlikely if you follow your employer's safety procedures. Only trained and accredited asbestos professionals must manage asbestos products. The treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.

Symptoms

The long-term effects of exposure to asbestos, usually do not appear until 10-40 years after the initial exposure. The symptoms may vary in severity.

Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • A persistent, dry cough
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Dry and crackling sound in the lungs when inhaled
  • The tips of the fingers and toes of the feet that appear wider and rounder than usual (clubs)

When to see a doctor

If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and are experiencing increasing shortness of breath, talk to your health care provider about the possibility of asbestosis.

Causes

If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over a long period of time, some of the airborne fibers can be filed within their alveoli — the tiny sacs inside the lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood. Asbestos fibers irritate and scar tissue in the lungs, causing the lungs to become stiff. This makes it hard to breathe.

As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue to heal. Finally, your lung tissue becomes so rigid that it can't contract and expand normally.

Smoking seems to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, and often results in a rapid progression of the disease.

Risk factors

People who worked in mining, milling, manufacturing, and installation or removal of asbestos products before the late 1970s are at risk of asbestosis. Examples include:

  • The mining of asbestos
  • Of the aircraft and automotive mechanics
  • Boiler operators
  • The construction of construction workers
  • Electricians
  • Railroad workers
  • Refinery and plant workers
  • Shipyard workers
  • Workers removing asbestos insulation of steam pipes in older buildings

Risk of asbestosis is generally related to the amount and duration of exposure to asbestos. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk of lung damage.

Secondhand exposure is possible that family members of workers exposed to, such as asbestos fibers can be carried home on the clothing. People living near the mines may also be exposed to asbestos fibers released into the air.

Complications

If you have asbestosis, you are at greater risk of developing lung cancer, especially if you smoke or have a history of smoking. Rarely, malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissues around the lungs, may occur many years after exposure to asbestos.

Prevention

Reducing exposure to asbestos is the best prevention against asbestosis. In the united States, federal law requires that employers in industries that work with asbestos products — such as construction — to take special safety measures.

In many homes, schools and other buildings built before the 1970s have been of materials, such as pipes and tiles that contain asbestos. Generally, there is no risk of exposure as long as the asbestos is closed and quiet. It is when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, there is no danger of asbestos fibers that are released into the air and inhaled. Always have asbestos products inspected and repaired or removed by trained and accredited asbestos professionals.

Asbestosis

Diagnosis

Asbestosis can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to those of many other types of diseases of the respiratory tract.

Physical examination

As part of your evaluation, your health care provider examines your health history, occupation and risk of exposure to asbestos. During a physical exam, the doctor uses a stethoscope to listen carefully to your lungs to determine if they make a crackling sound while inhaling.

A variety of diagnostic tests may be necessary to help determine the diagnosis.

Imaging tests

These tests, they show pictures of your lungs:

  • X-ray of the chest. Advanced asbestosis appears as excessive whiteness in the lung tissue. If asbestosis is severe, the tissue on both lungs may be affected, giving them an appearance of honeycomb.
  • Computed tomography (CT scan). computed tomography (CT) combine a series of x-rays taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body. These analyses tend to offer greater detail and could help to detect asbestosis in its early stages, even before it appears on an x-ray of the chest.

Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests to determine how well your lungs are functioning. These tests measure the amount of air that the lungs can hold and the flow of air in and out of your lungs.

During the test, you can ask to blow as hard as you can in a air measuring device called a spirometer. More complete, pulmonary function tests can measure the amount of oxygen that is transferred to your bloodstream.

Diagnostic procedures

In some situations, your doctor may remove the fluid and tissue tests to identify asbestos fibers, or abnormal cells. Tests may include:

  • The bronchoscopy. A thin tube (bronchoscope) is passed through the nose or the mouth, the throat and in the lungs. A light and a small camera in the bronchoscope allows the doctor to see the inside of the airways to any abnormality or to obtain a fluid or tissue sample (biopsy) if needed.
  • The thoracentesis. In this procedure, the doctor injects a local anesthetic, and then inserts a needle through the chest wall between the ribs and the lungs to eliminate the excess fluid for laboratory analysis and to help you breathe better. Your doctor can insert the needle with the help of ultrasound guidance.

Treatment

There is No treatment to reverse the effects of asbestos on the alveoli. The treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

You will need routine follow-up care, such as a chest x-ray or computed tomography scan and pulmonary function tests, at regular intervals, depending on the severity of your condition. The prompt treatment of respiratory infections may help prevent complications.

Therapy

To relieve the shortness of breath caused by the advanced asbestosis, the doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen. This is delivered through a thin plastic tube with prongs that fit into the nostrils, or thin tube connected to a mask over the nose and mouth.

To participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can help some people. The program provides education and exercise components, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, ways to improve physical activity habits and education to improve the health in general.

Surgery

If your symptoms are severe, you might be a candidate for a lung transplant.

Self-care

In addition to the medical treatment:

  • Do not smoke. Asbestosis increases the risk of lung cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk. Try to avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking can also cause more damage to the lungs and respiratory tract, which further reduces your lung reserves.
  • Get vaccinated. Talk with your health care provider about the flu and pneumonia vaccines, and the COVID-19 vaccine, which can help reduce the risk of lung infections.
  • Avoid further exposure to asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos may make your condition worse.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your family doctor for the most common disorder of symptoms of shortness of breath. He or she may refer you to a specialist in problems of the lungs (pulmonologist).

You may want to have a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment. Often, two sets of ears are better than one when you're learning about a complicated health problem, such as asbestosis. Take notes if that helps.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you might want to prepare answers to the following questions:

  • What are the symptoms and when do they start?
  • The symptoms stayed the same or worsened?
  • What type of work you have done in your career? Be specific.
  • He has been involved in any type of home-remodeling projects or other building renovations that occur over a long period of time?
  • Do you or do you smoke? If so, how much and for how long?
  • What medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you take, and the dose?

If you have had chest X-rays or other imaging tests in the past, let your health care provider so that your provider can request copies to compare to your current test image.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider can ask some of the following questions:

  • Are you aware of any exposure to asbestos?
  • Do you have difficulty breathing with ease?
  • How long have you had a cough?
  • Have you noticed any wheezing?
  • Do you have or have you ever smoked? If so, as an aid to quit smoking?

Your doctor will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. Prepare and anticipate the questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Asbestosis