Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used extensively as a building material in the construction industry because of its insulation and fire-retardant properties, high tensile strength, and chemical and thermal stability. In light of its usefulness, inhalation of asbestos fibers has been shown to cause serious lung problems and the development of a condition called asbestosis.
Causes
Asbestosis is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers that have been inhaled into the lungs. The immune system has difficulties breaking down and removing these fibers from the lungs, resulting in lung tissue damage and scarring, or pulmonary fibrosis. Over time, accumulated scarring stiffens the lungs and reduces gas exchange capabilities. Asbestos mining and manufacturing workers, as well as those installing and removing asbestos-laden material, are at the highest risk of developing asbestosis and its associated complications. Fortunately, ongoing scarring rarely occurs when exposure to asbestos is eliminated.
Symptoms
The damaging effects and symptoms of asbestos exposure do not arise until 20 to 30 years after initial exposure, and sometimes longer. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and it’s interesting to note that not all individuals with long-term exposure to asbestos develop asbestosis. The most prominent symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing, chest pain, decreased ability to perform physical activity, and sometimes finger deformities.
Complications
Many complications arise from asbestosis such as cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and several lung structure problems. Asbestos contains carcinogens, or cancer causing agents, exposure to which increases the chance of developing lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that takes years to develop, but is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosis can also lead to increased blood pressure in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary hypertension. This can lead to heart problems such as right ventricle enlargement or heart failure. The surrounding membrane of the lungs may also become damaged by asbestosis, causing fluid accumulation, or pleural effusion, and/or plaque build-up between the membrane layers. All these complications can lead to impaired breathing, increased risk of pneumonia, and possible need for a lung transplant.
Diagnosis
Several medical tests are used to diagnose asbestosis along with a complete medical history and information about any known exposure to asbestos. A physician will listen to the lungs, which make a crackling sound in individuals with asbestosis. A pulmonary function test is used to assess the amount of air the lungs can hold as well as airflow into and out of the lungs. Chest X-rays and CT scans are useful in detecting lung abnormalities, such as scar tissue, especially before symptoms have developed.
Treatment
The first step in treating asbestosis is to identify and eliminate further exposure to asbestos. Although it’s not possible to reverse the lung damage caused by asbestosis, further damage can be prevented along with relief of symptoms. Smoking cessation is recommended to decrease the chance of developing lung cancer or other lung conditions. Flu and pneumonia vaccinations are important because impaired lung conditions can quickly lead to problems in individuals with a cold or flu. Medications may be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, and oxygen devices or fluid drainage may be needed to relieve breathing difficulties. As previously mentioned, severe cases of lung damage may require a lung transplant.
