About Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a lung condition caused by barbed asbestos fibers that get stuck in lung tissue. As the fibers accumulate, the lungs form scar tissue around the fibers as a protective measure. Over time, the scarring reduces the elasticity of the lung tissue, making it increasingly difficult for the lungs to expand properly. As a result, people with asbestosis experience chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing, which can range from mild to severe. The symptoms usually don't appear until years after exposure. There is no cure for asbestosis and treatment centers around relieving the symptoms.
Asbestosis Treatments
In mild cases a doctor may prescribe prescription bronchodilators--the same drugs prescribed for asthma--which expand the airways, allowing greater air flow to the lungs. Physical therapy and breathing exercises can help with shortness of breath and coughing by conditioning the lungs to work more efficiently. If the patient has pulmonary hypertension, a possible complication of asbestosis, the doctor may prescribe blood thinners and diuretics. In some cases, fluid may fill the chest cavity and the doctor may need to drain the fluid in a procedure called thoracentesis. In more severe cases the patient may use an oxygen tank or even need a lung removal or transplant. Although a lung transplant is most common in patients who have additional conditions, like emphysema. OTC pain killers can relieve the chest pain associated with asbestosis.
Asbestosis Prevention
As with many diseases, the best treatment is prevention. The best way to prevent asbestosis is to avoid exposure. According to the National Institutes of Health, asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975, additionally several industries had a high risk of asbestos exposure. Families of asbestos workers also had a high instance of exposure from dust particles in the worker's clothing. Today, industrial workers and their families have a lower risk of asbestos exposure due to stricter government regulations. Asbestos is not dangerous until the fibers break--become friable--and become airborne. If you live in a home that was built before 1975, risk of exposure should be minimal--unless the walls are crumbling. If you are concerned about asbestos in your home, there are test kits available to test asbestos levels.
