Asbestos poisoning takes place when tiny asbestos particle fibers are inhaled and they lodge in the lung. There is often no immediate symptom that lets you know this has taken place. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can take up to 30 years to exhibit themselves. The Mayo Clinic also states that asbestos fibers build up in the lungs after repeated and prolonged exposure, which is what causes most of the damage to the lungs and leads to the symptoms of poisoning. The poisoning can lead to conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer, but many of the symptoms are the same.
Asbestosis Symptoms
Asbestosis is a result of the buildup of asbestos fibers in the lungs. This can cause scarring of the lung tissue. According to the National Institute of Health, symptoms include difficulty breathing, both when active and at rest; chest pains and persistent coughing. As the oxygen flow in the blood is reduced, the fingers and the toes can become thick and "club-like" in their appearance.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can also be a result of asbestos poisoning. The National Cancer Institute describes the mesothelium as the lining that covers most of the vital organs, and many people develop mesothelioma as a result of inhaling asbestos. Many symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as the symptoms for asbestosis, such as difficulty breathing and chest pains. Additional symptoms, as listed by the Mayo Clinic, are pain with a cough, pain when breathing in due to fluid filling the lining of the lungs, pain below the rib cage, weight loss and lumps under the skin in the chest area.
Since mesothelioma can affect other parts of the body as well, there can also be abdominal pain and swelling, along with lumps in the abdominal region. Like asbestosis, it can take some time between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma symptoms to appear, even as long as 30 to 50 years according to the National Cancer Institute.
Lung Cancer
While lung cancer can have many contributing factors, it can also be a result of asbestos poisoning. The National Institute of Health lists lung cancer symptoms as a continual, worsening cough that is often accompanied by blood; chest pain; hoarseness and difficulty breathing; a swollen neck and facial features; fatigue and loss of desire to eat; and repetitious pneumonia and bronchitis.
Because all of the above asbestos poisoning-related conditions can take so long to manifest, the ability to effectively treat them may be compromised and made more difficult. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, see your health care provider immediately.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, cigarette smoking greatly increases the risk of developing conditions related to asbestos poisoning.
