Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling particles of asbestos over a long period of time. For many years asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes and offices.

Although there have been tremendous or remove as much asbestos from the environment as possible, there is still much remaining, especially in older buildings. Even today, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related lung disease. Asbestos is a major cause of the otherwise rare form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is virtually never seen in people who have not been exposed to asbestos. Asbestosis is most commonly seen in men, typically who are over age 40. This is because none of the stage were more likely to have worked in buildings containing asbestos. All people who were exposed to asbestos over a long period of time are potentially at risk. As a person inhales small particles of asbestos, the particles travel to the deepest and smallest airways in the lungs.

The asbestos fibers will then collect in the outer edges of the lungs, gradually causing a chronic inflammation and irritation to the delicate lung tissues. Symptoms In many cases, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms of asbestosis to become apparent. The most common symptom will be a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The cough will be dry and constant, producing very little sputum. As the disease progresses, a person can experience chest pain, a coarse voice, a loss of appetite and weight, and changes in sleep patterns. On occasion, a person will cough up some blood. This is a sign that the disease is becoming relatively advanced. Risk and prevention Obviously the greatest risk of getting asbestosis is asbestos exposure. If you suspect that you may be working in an area with asbestos, always be sure to wear proper protective masks. If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking can increase the damage done by asbestos exposure. The combination of damage done by the inhaled asbestos fibers and the cigarette smoke can be devastating to your lungs. Regular exercise can help limit the damage done by asbestos exposure. This helps for a number of reasons, including maintaining good circulation and airflow through the lungs. If you suspect or know that you have exposure to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and plan regular chest x-rays to look for signs of damage to your lungs. Asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer.

Treatments Treatment for asbestos exposure is largely aimed at controlling the symptoms. There is no known way to reverse damage which is already done, but symptoms can be treated and further damage can be prevented. People with asbestosis must take good care of their lungs. Be sure to get proper treatment for any other condition which can affect your lungs, such as pneumonia, colds, bronchitis, and influenza. These conditions can be made much worse in people who suffer from asbestos exposure. Respiratory therapists and work with people who have been exposed to teach them proper care of their lungs. Bronchial drainage and the use of misting humidifiers can help tremendously with the symptoms. If you activity you may have been exposed to asbestos, or maybe experiencing symptoms of asbestosis, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Asbestosis is not a medical emergency, however the sooner you are able to identify your risk and begin proper care and treatment, the more you can minimize the damage done to your lungs.