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No Cure For Asbestosis No cure exists for asbestosis, however treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Smoking can greatly increase the chances of developing this chronic disease. The most vulnerable group of developing this deadly lung disease are construction workers, shipyard workers, and veterans who have worked with asbestos-containing products. The first symptoms are a persistent cough, and breathing difficulties. Advanced cases may cause the development of pulmonary hypertension as well as the clubbing of the fingers. Signs and symptoms When people work with asbestos-containing materials micro-sized fibres can enter the air and be inhaled. Eventually, these fibres are irritating to the lung tissue and cause it to stiffen, making breathing difficult. This condition is called asbestosis, also known as pulmonary fibroids and it is among over 200 forms of interstitial lungs disease. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time are more at risk of developing this lung condition. The symptoms don't appear until decades after exposure, and may range in severity from mild to severe. The most frequent symptoms include persistent coughing and chest pain. In certain instances, the lungs may develop a buildup of fluid inside the pleural cavity, which could cause a whistling sound known as inspiratory crackles whenever the person breathes. Those who have asbestosis are also at a higher risk of mesothelioma, cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen. It can be hard to distinguish between these two conditions. They often share symptoms like thickening of the lungs and scarring, cough, breathlessness, and a lump on the chest. If you're suffering from asbestosis it's crucial to speak with your doctor right away if you begin to experience breathing difficulties. This will stop the condition from getting worse and allow your doctor to determine the cause. Your doctor will examine your medical background, work history and lung function tests to make the diagnosis. X-rays or CT scans can reveal the extent of lung damage and assess how well your lungs are functioning. If your doctor suggests an X-ray biopsy, if they reveal that you have an lung tumor or a nodule, it is probable they will request one. A needle is inserted in the lungs in order to take an in-depth sample. This can be a painful process but it is essential to rule out lung lesions caused by other conditions like mesothelioma and other lung cancers. Patients with asbestosis should also receive the pneumococcus and pneumonia vaccines. This will help prevent lung infections in patients with weak lungs. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos can cause scarring known as asbestosis. It usually takes 20 to 30 years after exposure before symptoms begin to manifest but it can take even longer. The substance is made up of microscopic fibres that are introduced into the lungs when you breathe into. These fibres adhere to the lungs and stiffen them. In time, your lungs become inefficient and you have difficulty getting breathe. Before it was banned, asbestos was widely used in the building and manufacturing industries. A doctor can diagnose the problem by looking over your medical history and performing a physical examination. During the exam the doctor will listen to your lungs while you breathe by using a stethoscope. If they hear crackling sounds they'll suspect you may have asbestosis. Doctors can also look at the lungs using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. These scans will show any signs of lung damage like scarring, and can narrow down the diagnosis. They might ask about your job history to determine if you were exposed to asbestos. If your doctor suspects that you have asbestosis they will request chest radiographs and pulmonary functions tests to measure your breathing. These tests can help determine if there are other conditions that could cause breathing problems, such as emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. PFTs and Xrays can detect any abnormalities in the structure of your lungs. The lungs have main airways known as bronchi, which branch off into smaller passageways and finally tiny sacs known as alveoli. The lungs are a crucial organ for oxygen intake and they can only function if they are free from scar tissue. If you're diagnosed as having asbestosis, the healthcare provider will recommend treatments to ease your symptoms and improve quality of life. This includes supplemental oxygen therapy. This is delivered through thin tubing with prongs that fit into your nostrils or a mask. Your doctor may suggest that you participate in an pulmonary rehabilitation program. This will help you learn breathing exercises and how to alter your daily routine. In advanced cases, doctors may remove a small amount of lung tissue to determine whether asbestos is present. However, a biopsy is an invasive procedure and is generally not advised. Treatment Inhaling asbestos fibres leads to scarring of the lungs (fibrosis), which restricts breathing and makes it difficult to breathe. It typically requires years of continuous exposure to asbestos fibres in buildings and factories before symptoms appear, which is why it's crucial that people who worked in industries that utilized asbestos – like electricians, shipbuilders and boilermakers and carpenters – talk to their doctor about any problems with breathing. The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis are former workers in the construction and manufacturing industries. The first symptoms of asbestosis usually include a persistent, dry cough, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. The most severe cases can result in clubbing, which is a condition in which fingers grow wider and larger. This can lead to lung or heart-related complications. The first step in treating asbestosis is to visit a doctor who will listen to your lung using an stethoscope. They will also inquire about your work history. If you are experiencing symptoms the doctor will recommend you to an expert in lung diseases for further tests. Discuss with your doctor any other diseases you may have and if you've ever been exposed asbestos. This is because the disease could be misdiagnosed or confused with other lung conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Specialists can determine the presence of asbestosis by taking a sample of your lung tissue, called biopsy. They will use a tiny needle to remove the tissue or fluid from your lungs, and then examine it under a magnifying glass to look for signs of fibrosis. They might also test for other potential diseases such as mesothelioma, or other cancers that may cause similar symptoms to asbestosis, like the pleural plaques. Once you have a diagnosis of asbestosis, doctors can treat the underlying fibrosis that causes breathing difficulties and improve quality of life. They may prescribe oxygen therapy or a humidifier, or even medications to help you breath easier and lessen the cough. They may also advise you to stop smoking because it can cause the condition to worsen. In severe cases, patients might require a lung transplant in order to improve their breathing and extend their lives. Prognosis Asbestosis is incurable once it develops. Treatment can help control symptoms and improve the quality of life. It is crucial to adhere to your health professional's guidelines for managing the condition. It is also crucial to avoid smoking, as smoking cigarettes can make the condition worse. Asbestosis occurs when the lungs become stiff and scarred after exposure to asbestos fibers. Blue (or crocidolite) brown and white asbestos are more harmful than each other. When asbestos is mined it is a fibrous material which can be split into fibres. When the material is cut, drilled, broken or deteriorates, it releases these fibres into the air. Inhaling the fibres can cause lung stiffening and scarring. It could take up to 20 years before the first signs of the disease appear. When symptoms do show up they tend to get worse over time. The lung scarring is permanent, however, avoiding further contact can reduce the severity. It is essential to talk to your health professional in the event that you suspect you've been exposed asbestos. Your medical history and occupation will be examined to determine if asbestos exposure is risky. During the physical exam the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs, and will note any crackling noises. The doctor will also check to determine whether your fingers and toes are swollen, which is an indication of asbestosis. Temecula asbestos lawsuits can request chest radiographs which show asbestosis in its most advanced form as excessive whiteness of lung tissue. Asbestosis is not a cause of cancer however, it could be linked to the development of pleural mesothelioma the type of cancer that is found in the lung's lining. Once you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your chances of developing pleural cancer increase. A balanced diet, adequate rest and exercise can help control asbestosis. Certain medications, like ones that thin the lungs and alleviate chest pain, can be helpful. A pulmonologist will provide treatment options for patients, like the use of oxygen supplemental to the lungs or pulmonary rehabilitation. It is crucial to ensure that you are up-to-date with vaccinations, such as those for influenza and pneumococcal since asbestosis can increase the risk of contracting an infection.