Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that can increase the risk of lung cancer, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asbestos fibers cause scarring when they enter the lung, and the scarred tissue can't function properly. Asbestos was common in construction, fireproofing, mining and milling before 1975. The disease can take 20 years or more to develop. The disease is also sometimes called pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial pneumonitis.
Basic Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, the symptoms of asbestosis are chest pain, cough, shortness of breath that gets worse over time and that comes on with exertion, tightness in the chest and changes in the color, shape or texture of the nails.
Testing
Another sign of asbestosis is a crackling sound a doctor can hear when he uses a stethoscope to listen to the lungs, according to MedlinePlus. Other tests can also help diagnose asbestosis, including X-rays and CT scans of the lungs and pulmonary function tests that determine how well the lungs are taking in air and supplying oxygen to the body. People who have been exposed to asbestos should talk to their doctor about being screened by X-ray to detect asbestosis early.
Prognosis
How well a patient with asbestosis does depends on how much asbestos they were exposed to and for how long, according to MedlinePlus. Asbestosis can lead to dangerous complications, such as the deadly cancer mesothelioma or a pleural effusion, which is an excess of fluid in the lining of the lungs. Though there is no cure, there are drugs and other treatments that can help patients breathe easier. Some people require oxygen or even lung transplants.
Prevention
Those who have a history of significant asbestos exposure can help themselves by quitting smoking, which increases the risk that asbestosis will lead to lung cancer, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. It can also help to get regular medical exams to look for problems. Limit additional asbestos exposure. It can also help to keep current with flu and pneumonia vaccinations to reduce the chances of having lung complications from these diseases.
