Asbestos poisoning occurs when asbestos fibers build up in the lungs after exposure. Asbestos exposure traditionally occurred in commercial and industrial settings, especially in the 1970's. Today it is more commonly seen in asbestos removal projects in the home. If care is not taken to prevent asbestos exposure, asbestos poisoning can progress into asbestosis, which can cause permanent lung tissue damage.
Decontamination
The first treatment after asbestos exposure is decontamination. Asbestos fibers can linger on the clothing and skin for extended periods of time. Directly after exposure occurs, all affected clothing should be removed, and all surfaces of the body thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water. This will prevent lingering fibers from being inhaled.
Bronchial Drainage
According to asbestos expert Dr. H. Winter Griffith, M.D., once asbestos has entered the lungs and begun to scar the lung tissue, there is no cure. However, there are ways to relieve and control the symptoms associated with asbestos poisoning. One of the first of these treatments is bronchial drainage, otherwise known as postural drainage. In this procedure, the patient is placed in a head-down position. This allows the natural force of gravity to help drain out any liquid buildup due to the asbestos out of the lungs and into the central airways. From here it can either be suctioned out, or coughed out naturally.
Humidifier
Humidifiers may also be used to help treat the symptoms of asbestos exposure. Dr. H. Winter Griffith recommends the use of an ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier to help break up any bronchial secretions from the asbestos, which will allow you to manually cough and clear the lungs.
Medications
Asbestos poisoning can cause chest pain. The pain is usually not severe enough to warrant prescription medications, but can easily be treated with over-the-counter products including ibuprofen and aspirin. To help with difficulty breathing, your doctor may also prescribe bronchial dilators to help keep your airways open.
Preventive Measures
Because asbestos poisoning does substantial damage to the lungs, one of the most frequently recommended treatments for the issue is taking the proper preventative measures to protect the lungs from further damage. For example, the Mayo Clinic recommends that those who have been exposed to harmful levels of asbestos should stop smoking, as asbestos exposure dramatically increases your risks of lung cancer. You should also be vaccinated during the cold and flu season, as asbestos-damaged lungs are typically more prone to serious cases of pneumonia.
