A chronic lung disease caused by asbestos fibers inhalation occurs when the lungs are damaged. Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used as insulation, fireproofing, and building materials in the past. Asbestos fibers are tiny and sharp, and they can easily enter the lungs and lodge there. Over time, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation, scarring, and stiffening of the lung tissue, causing difficulty breathing.
It is believed that asbestos exposure is the main cause of asbestosis. Asbestos exposure occurs in a variety of settings, including:
Employed in industries that use or produce asbestos, such as mining, construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding
Living or working in a building that contains asbestos-containing materials, such as tiles, pipes, or insulation
Demolition or renovation of asbestos-containing buildings
Using asbestos-containing products, such as brake pads, gaskets, or cement
Asbestos-contaminated clothes should not be handled or washed
Asbestosis is caused by several factors, including:
The amount and duration of asbestos exposure
The type and size of asbestos fibers
The presence of other lung diseases or conditions
The genetic susceptibility of the individual
Following asbestos exposure, asbestosis symptoms usually develop gradually over many years. They include:
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Persistent dry cough or wheezing
Chest pain or tightness
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
Clubbing of the fingers or toes (enlargement of the tips)
Bluish discoloration of the skin or lips (cyanosis)
A person suffering from asbestosis may experience worsening symptoms over time and be limited in their daily activities and quality of life. Asbestosis may also increase the risk of developing other serious lung diseases or complications, such as:
Lung cancer: This is a malignant tumor that originates from the lung cells and can spread to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum) and is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
Pulmonary hypertension: This is a condition that occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs becomes abnormally high due to lung damage or scarring.
Heart failure: This is a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body due to increased workload or strain caused by lung disease.
It is important that your doctor asks questions about your medical history, symptoms, and asbestos exposure to diagnose asbestosis. They will also perform a physical examination and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. They may also order some tests to check your lung function and look for signs of damage or scarring. Here are some common tests that can be used to diagnose asbestosis:
Chest X-ray: This test uses radiation to create images of your chest and lungs and can show any abnormalities or changes in your lung tissue.
CT scan: This test uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your chest and lungs and can show any inflammation, scarring, or tumors in your lung tissue.
Lung function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs work by assessing your breathing capacity, volume, and flow. They can show any reduction or impairment in your lung function due to asbestosis.
Biopsy: This test involves taking a small sample of your lung tissue with a needle or a surgical instrument and examining it under a microscope. It can confirm the presence of asbestos fibers and the extent of damage or scarring in your lung tissue.
While asbestosis cannot be cured, there are treatments that can relieve symptoms, slow down the progression, and prevent complications. The treatments include:
Your lungs may become inflamed, painful, coughing, or infected with medication. Among them are anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids), pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), cough suppressants (such as codeine), antibiotics (such as azithromycin), and oxygen therapy (such as supplemental oxygen).
The purpose of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve your breathing capacity, physical activity, and quality of life through education, exercise, counseling, and support. You may also be able to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression as a result of your condition with it.
A severe asbestosis case that cannot be treated with other treatments usually requires surgery. An affected lung can be removed (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) or transplanted with a healthy lung from a donor (lung transplantation). The procedure can improve your breathing and survival, but there are some risks and complications associated with it as well.
Asbestosis can be prevented by avoiding asbestos exposure. If you work or live in an environment that may contain asbestos, you should take the following precautions:
A mask, gloves, or suit can prevent you from inhaling or touching asbestos fibers.
You can reduce or eliminate asbestos exposure in your home or workplace by following safety regulations and guidelines
When you experience symptoms of asbestosis or have a history of asbestos exposure, seek medical attention
Asbestos can worsen lung damage caused by smoking, so quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they damage the lungs, causing asbestosis, a chronic lung disease. The symptoms of asbestosis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced joint mobility. The type and cause of asbestosis determine the methods for diagnosing and treating the condition. Asbestosis can be controlled and prevented with proper management and care.
