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Asbestosis is a breathing disease that usually manifests itself 20 to 30 years after the affected individual was exposed to asbestos, the toxic group of minerals that is the cause of several diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestosis is caused by inhaling the microscopic-sized fibers of which asbestos is composed.

 

Asbestosis on the Job

Most of the people who have asbestosis contracted it through their work, often involving the mining, manufacture, milling, processing, installation, or removal of asbestos or asbestos-containing products. In the majority of asbestosis cases, the individuals had at least 10 years of asbestos exposure, but shorter exposure times have also resulted in asbestosis. Sometimes, the spouses or family members of people who worked with asbestos fall victim to asbestosis.

 

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Asbestosis is damage and scarring of the lung tissue. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled do not decompose; they harm the lungs, producing scars that make it difficult to breathe. The symptoms and signs of asbestosis can seem similar to those of other respiratory symptoms such as asthma, but they develop much more slowly. These include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath (at first only with exertion, but eventually even while resting)
• a decreased tolerance for physical activity
• chest pain
• in some cases, finger clubbing (a deformity)

 

Treatment for Asbestosis

Even today, although thousands of people have developed asbestosis and a significant amount of research has been done, there is no cure for asbestosis and no way to reverse its effects on the lungs. The available treatment is able only to help prevent the progression of asbestosis and relieve the symptoms.

 

An individual with asbestosis may eventually have a very difficult time breathing. If fluid has accumulated in the lung(s), a physician may treat this symptom by draining the fluid. Supplemental oxygen may also be prescribed to aid breathing. In some severe asbestosis cases, lung transplantation may be an option.

 

Learn About Your Legal Rights

If asbestosis was diagnosed for you or for a member or your family, learn all that you can about your medical and legal options contact us today.