Asbestosis is the scarring of the lungs caused by asbestos fibers that have been inhaled. Asbestos fibers are easy to inhale and extremely toxic. Over time, inhalation of asbestos fibers causes the lungs to become severely and irreversibly scarred, at which point asbestosis sets in.
As with other asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma, it’s important that anyone diagnosed with asbestosis gets immediate treatment to prevent further health complications. Because asbestosis is a chronic condition, it typically requires lifelong treatment.
Asbestosis SymptomsIn most patients, asbestosis symptoms take between 10 and 30 years after the initial asbestos exposure to present themselves. When apparent, the symptoms of asbestosis typically include:
Because all these symptoms are non-specific, it is common for cases of asbestosis to
be misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
When medical professionals suspect that patients suffer from asbestosis, they typically start their diagnosis by obtaining the patient’s full medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure.
Diagnostic tests used in determining whether asbestosis is present include:
Since asbestosis is incurable, all immediate and long-term treatments for it are aimed at reducing symptoms, helping
patients breath better and preventing the condition from progressing. In most cases, asbestosis treatments usually
involve:
Individuals who have developed asbestosis may be entitled to compensation from parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. Contact the Asbestos Legal Center today if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestosis. Please click here for a complimentary information packet.