No Cure For Asbestosis
Asbestosis cannot be treated, but there are treatments that can help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Smoking increases the risk of asbestosis.
The group most at risk of developing this deadly lung disease is shipyard workers, construction workers, and veterans who have worked with asbestos-containing products. The first symptoms are a persistent cough, and breathing difficulties. Advanced cases can lead to pulmonary hypertension and the clubbing of the fingers.
Signs and symptoms
When workers handle asbestos-containing materials, microscopic fibres can be released into the air and inhaled. These fibres can eventually cause irritation to lung tissue, which causes it to stiffen and make breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis or pulmonary fibrosis, one of more than 200 kinds of interstitial lung disease.
People who have been exposed to asbestos over a long time are at the greatest chance of developing this lung disease. The symptoms don't appear until decades after exposure and can vary in severity from mild to severe. The most frequent symptoms are a persistent cough and chest pain. In some cases the lungs can develop a build-up of fluid within the pleural cavity, which produces a whistling sound known as inspiratory crackles whenever a person breathes.
Asbestosis patients are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma. This cancer is a threat to the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen. It can be difficult to differentiate between the two conditions. They usually share symptoms like a thickening of the lungs, scarring, a cough, breathlessness, and a lump on the chest.
If you're suffering from asbestosis it's important to contact your doctor immediately if you begin to experience breathing difficulties. This will stop the disease from advancing and let your doctor to diagnose the condition. To make a diagnosis your doctor will go over your medical history and your work history, as well as lung function tests. X-rays and CT scans are used to determine the severity of lung damage.
If your doctor suggests a biopsy if the X-rays reveal that you have an lung tumor or nodule, it is probable they will request one. This involves inserting a needle into your lung to take a small amount of tissue. It's a painful procedure, but it is necessary to rule out other conditions which can cause lung lesions,
9363280 including mesothelioma and various lung cancers. It is also recommended that those with asbestosis get the pneumococcus and pneumonia vaccines in order to prevent infections in their weakened lung tissue.
Diagnosis
Inhaling asbestos can cause the scarring known as asbestosis. It usually takes 20 to 30 years after exposure before symptoms appear however it could take longer. The material is composed of microscopic fibers which enter your lung when you breathe. These fibres stick in the lungs, causing stiffness and causing scarring on the lung. Eventually, your lungs become inefficient and it becomes difficult to breathe. Before it was banned in the past, asbestos was extensively used in the building and manufacturing industries.
A doctor can diagnose your condition by looking over the medical history you have provided and performing an examination. During the examination the doctor will use the stethoscope in order to examine your lungs as you breathe. If they hear crackling sounds that suggest asbestosis, they could be suspects.
Doctors can also look at the lungs with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. These scans can reveal signs of lung damage like scarring, and may help narrow down the diagnosis. They may also inquire about your work history to determine if you were exposed to asbestos.
If your doctor suspects that asbestosis is present, they will order chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests to determine your breathing. These tests will help determine if there are other conditions that can cause breathing issues like emphysema, for instance, and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Both X-rays (and PFTs) can reveal any irregularities within the structure of your lungs. The lungs are comprised of main airways, also known as bronchi. These bronchi branch into smaller passageways, and then tiny sacs referred to as alveoli. The lungs are an essential organ for the intake of oxygen and
9363280 they are able to do this job properly if they are free of scar tissue.
If you are diagnosed as having asbestosis, the healthcare provider will recommend treatments to ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life. This includes supplemental oxygen therapy. It is delivered via thin tubes that have prongs that fit inside your nostrils, or via a mask. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an pulmonary rehabilitation program which will teach you exercises and methods to alter your routines to assist you in breathing better.
In advanced cases, doctors can remove a small sample of lung tissue to check for asbestos. A biopsy is an in-depth procedure that is not recommended.
Treatment
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and restricts movement. It generally takes years of regular exposure to asbestos fibres in factories and buildings before symptoms begin to manifest. This is why it's important people who worked in industries that utilized asbestos - like electricians, shipbuilders and boilermakers and carpenters - speak with their doctor about any breathing issues.
The majority of those diagnosed with asbestosis are former employees in the construction and manufacturing industries. The earliest symptoms of the disease are typically a persistent cough and shortness of breath, as well as chest pain. Those with severe cases may develop a tendency to club their fingers that causes them to grow larger and more round than normal. This may sometimes lead to lung or heart-related complications.
The first step to treat asbestosis is to consult an ophthalmologist, who will examine your lungs with the stethoscope. He will also ask about your working background. If you exhibit symptoms, your doctor will recommend you to a specialist in lung diseases to conduct additional tests. Discuss with your doctor any other diseases you may have, and if you've been exposed to asbestos. This is because the condition could be misdiagnosed or mistaken for other lung conditions, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
A biopsy is an examination that allows specialists to confirm whether you have asbestosis. They use a tiny needle to remove the tissue or fluid from your lungs and then examine it under an magnifying glass to see if there are signs of fibrosis. They may also test for other possible diseases like mesothelioma and other cancers that could cause similar symptoms to asbestosis, such as the pleural plaques.
If you are diagnosed of asbestosis, your doctor can treat the underlying fibrosis that causes breathing difficulties and improve quality of life. They might prescribe oxygen therapy or a humidifier or medications to ease your breathing and lessen coughing. They will also advise you to stop smoking because smoking causes the condition to get worse. In the most serious cases, some patients may need a lung transplant in order to improve their breathing and prolong their lives.
Prognosis
Asbestosis is incurable after it is developed. However treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. It is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations for managing the disease. It is also important to not smoke because smoking cigarettes can cause the condition to get worse.
