Asbestosis is a chronic lung illness induced by asbestos fiber inhalation. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can induce scarring of lung tissue and shortness of breath. Asbestosis symptoms can range from minor to severe and typically manifest several years after initial exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is resistant to heat and corrosion. It was once widely utilized in items such as insulation, cement, and certain floor tiles.
Before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the 1970s, the majority of persons with asbestosis contracted it on the job. Its handling is now highly restricted. If you follow your employer's safety regulations, you are highly unlikely to get asbestosis. Only asbestos specialists who have been trained and certified should handle asbestos materials. The treatment focuses on symptom relief.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASBESTOSIS?
The consequences of long-term asbestos exposure often manifest 10-40 years after initial exposure. The degree of symptoms might vary.
Asbestosis symptoms and indicators may include:
- Breathing difficulty
- A chronic dry cough
- Tightness or discomfort in the chest
- Dry and crackling sounds in your lungs when you breathe
- Finger and toe tips that are broader and rounder than normal (clubbing)
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASBESTOSIS?
If you are repeatedly exposed to high quantities of asbestos dust, some of the airborne fibers can become trapped within your alveoli — the small sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood. Asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing it to stiffen. This makes breathing difficult.
As asbestosis worsens, more and more lung tissue scars. Eventually, your lung tissue stiffens to the point that it can no longer contract and expand regularly.
Tobacco use tends to promote the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, resulting in a quicker course of the illness.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ASBETOSIS?
People who engaged in asbestos mining, milling, production, installation, or removal before to the late 1970s are at the greatest risk of developing asbestosis. Here are several examples:
- Asbestos miners
- Aircraft and auto mechanics
- Boiler operators
- Shipyard workers
- Workers in the construction industry
- Electricians
- Railroad workers
- Workers in refineries and mills
- Workers in older buildings are removing asbestos insulation from surrounding steam pipes.
The risk of asbestosis is largely proportional to the amount and duration of asbestos exposure. The greater the level of exposure, the greater the chance of lung injury.
Household members of exposed employees may be exposed secondhand since asbestos fibers can be taken home on garments. People who live near mines may potentially be exposed to asbestos fibers that are discharged into the air.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ASBESTOSIS?
If you have asbestosis, you are more likely to acquire lung cancer, especially if you smoke or have a smoking history. Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissue surrounding the lung, can emerge many years after asbestos exposure.
HOW IS ASBESTOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Because the signs and symptoms of asbestosis are similar to those of many other forms of lung disorders, it can be difficult to diagnose.
Physical exam
Your health care practitioner will review your health history, profession, and asbestos exposure risk as part of your examination. During a physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your lungs to see whether they create a crackling sound when you inhale.
A battery of diagnostic tests may be required to narrow down the diagnosis.
Imaging tests
These tests provide images of your lungs:
- Chest X-ray: Excessive whiteness in your lung tissue indicates advanced asbestosis. If the asbestosis is severe, both lungs' tissue may be compromised, giving them a honeycomb look.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: CT scans provide cross-sectional pictures of the bones and soft tissues within your body by combining a series of X-ray views obtained from various angles. These scans typically give more information and may aid in the detection of asbestosis in its early stages, even before it appears on a chest X-ray.
Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests assess how effectively your lungs are working. These tests determine how much air your lungs can contain and how much air flows in and out of them.
During the exam, you may be asked to blow as forcefully as you can into a spirometer, which measures air pressure. More comprehensive pulmonary function tests can assess the quantity of oxygen in your bloodstream.
Diagnostic procedures
In certain cases, your doctor may extract fluid and tissue for testing to find asbestos fibers or aberrant cells. Among the possible tests are:
- Bronchoscopy: A small tube (bronchoscope) is inserted into your lungs through your nose or mouth. A light and a small camera on the bronchoscope allow the doctor to examine the airways of your lungs for any abnormalities and, if necessary, get a fluid or tissue sample (biopsy).
- Thoracentesis: In this treatment, your doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your chest wall and then place a needle between your ribs and lungs to remove extra fluid for lab analysis and to help you breathe easier. Your doctor may use ultrasound guidance to inject the needle.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ASBESTOSIS?
There is no cure for the consequences of asbestos on the alveoli. Treatment focuses on decreasing disease development, alleviating symptoms, and preventing consequences.
Depending on the severity of your disease, you will require routine follow-up treatment such as chest X-rays or CT scans and lung function tests at regular intervals. Treatment of respiratory infections as soon as possible will help prevent consequences.
Therapy
Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed by your doctor to help with the breathing difficulties caused by advanced asbestosis. Thin plastic tubing with prongs that go into your nostrils or thin tubing coupled to a mask worn over your nose and mouth supply this.
Some persons may benefit from participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The program includes educational and exercise components such as breathing and relaxation methods, approaches to enhance physical activity habits, and health education.
Surgery
If your symptoms are severe, you may qualify for a lung transplant.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ASBESTOSIS
In addition to medical care:
- Don't smoke: Lung cancer is increased by asbestosis. This risk can be reduced by quitting smoking. Avoid secondhand smoking as much as possible. Smoking may also cause further harm to your lungs and airways, reducing your lung reserves even further.
- Get vaccinated: Consult your doctor about flu and pneumonia vaccines, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, which can help reduce your risk of lung infections.
- Avoid more asbestos exposure: Additional asbestos exposure might aggravate your disease.
HOW IS ASBESTOSIS PREVENTED?
The easiest way to avoid asbestosis is to limit your exposure to it. In the United States, federal law compels employers in businesses that use asbestos materials, such as construction, to take extra precautions.
Many houses, schools, and other structures built before the 1970s include asbestos-containing materials such as pipes and floor tiles. As long as the asbestos is contained and undisturbed, there is no risk of exposure. When asbestos-containing materials are destroyed, asbestos fibers are discharged into the air and can be breathed. Always have asbestos products inspected, repaired, or removed by asbestos specialists who are trained and accredited.