What Disease is Asbestosis?

Key Facts About Asbestosis You Should Know

Even though industrial progress has bestowed upon us an unprecedented ease of living, it has also exposed many people to hidden dangers, one of the deadliest being asbestosis. Typically developing slowly and quietly, this lung condition does not hit suddenly but rather develops through extended exposure to asbestos fibres.

This long-term lung condition is characterised by scarring of lung tissue and chronic shortness of breath. Often overlooked, asbestosis is a major health hazard in contemporary society.

Knowing about this fatal ailment is crucial to protect public health. Keep reading to learn about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and more.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibres—minute, thread-like particles previously extensively used in many industries. Inhaled fibres lodge in the lungs, leading to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and ultimately compromising lung function.

As symptoms take more time to develop, early diagnosis is not easy; hence, prevention becomes essential.

When is Asbestos a Problem?

Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is damaged, and its fibres are released into the air, making them easy to inhale. When inhaled, these asbestos fibres can accumulate in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can result in severe health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Thus, if you or your loved ones are in a profession that involves dealing with items containing asbestos, taking precautionary measures is vital.

What are the Symptoms of Asbestosis?

The consequences of prolonged exposure to asbestos usually manifest between 10 to 40 years following the initial contact. Here are some of the most prevalent symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chronic dry cough
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Coughing
• Weight loss due to decreased appetite
• A dry, crackling noise in the lungs during inhalation
• Wider and rounder fingertips and toes than usual (clubbing)

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is mostly a result of long-term exposure to inhaling asbestos fibres, but various environmental, lifestyle, and biological factors may affect its occurrence and severity. Here is a detailed overview:

• Occupational and Environmental Exposure: Direct exposure to asbestos through workplaces like building sites, shipyards, and asbestos mines is the main cause. Being in the vicinity of asbestos-producing factories or mines may also pose a risk of environmental exposure.
• Secondary Exposure: Family members of the person working in asbestos factories may be indirectly exposed when asbestos is brought home on clothes, equipment, or hair.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking significantly exacerbates the injurious effects of asbestos, enhancing the risk of lung cancer and asbestosis.
• Genetics: Although there is no established direct genetic susceptibility to asbestosis, people with a genetic predisposition to lung diseases might be more susceptible to asbestos harm.
• Age: Older people are at greater risk of developing asbestosis from long-term exposure.
• Gender: Compared to women, men are at greater risk because of historically higher occupational exposure.
• Geographic Location: Individuals who reside in or near areas where asbestos is mined or produced are at greater risk.
• Pre-existing Health Conditions: Prior respiratory diseaseslike COPD can increase susceptibility and disease expression.

How is Asbestosis Diagnosed?

Asbestosis diagnosis entails the assessment of a patient's history, symptoms, and lung function to validate the occurrence of asbestos-related lung injury. It may include the following:

• Medical History: The doctor will check the patient's history of occupational and environmental asbestos exposure.
• Physical Examination: Physicians listen for abnormal lung sounds (such as crackles) and look for signs such as finger clubbing.
• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays and CT scans are utilised to diagnose lung scarring and other asbestos-related changes.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: These examinations determine the ability of the lungs to function and quantify breathing capacity.
• Biopsy (if required):A sample of lung tissue can be obtained to identify asbestos fibres using a microscope.
• Differential Diagnosis: It is essential to differentiate asbestosis from other diseases with comparable symptoms, including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or lung cancer.

What is the Treatment for Asbestosis?

As of now, there is no cure for asbestosis. However, a number of medical and lifestyle measures can ease symptoms and delay progression:

• Medications: Bronchodilators or corticosteroids can be prescribedby inhalation to make breathing easier and diminish inflammation.
• Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen supplements can improve oxygen content and reduce strain on the heart and lungs.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A supervised programmeof breathing exercises, exercise, and counselling to improve lung function and quality of life.
• Vaccinations: Flu and pneumococcal vaccines are necessary to avoid respiratory illnesses in at-risk patients.
• Smoking Cessation: Smoking cessation is vital since it dramatically aggravates the consequences of asbestos exposure.
• Alternative Therapies: Though not substitutes for medical intervention, therapies such as acupuncture and mindfulness can assist in symptom control.
• Managing Symptoms at Home: To ensure overall health, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, get adequate rest, avoid additional asbestos exposure, and manage stress. Installing a humidifier might also relieve breathing by loosening

Asbestosis is an avoidable but irreversible illness based on industrial exposure. Identifying the risk factors and symptoms can facilitate early intervention, which can lead to better outcomes. Having a health insurance plan also helps, as it can enable individuals to gain quick access to quality treatment without the burden of arranging finances.

Get in touch with Star Health for tailored health insurance plans today!

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