Asbestosis Overview

Four out of every 10,000 Americans suffer from asbestosis, a disease strictly caused by exposure to asbestos. An average of 10,000 deaths a year in the United States are caused by asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis. The majority of these victims worked in at-risk occupations during the mid to late twentieth century. Due to the extended latency period associated with absestos-related illnesses, those who worked in at-risk occupations will continue to develop such diseases for the next several decades. Please see Occupations at Risk of Asbestos Exposure and Products Containing Asbestos for more information.

Asbestosis is a progressive pulmonary disease. This disease is particularly dangerous because symptoms only appear after asbestos fibers have already caused irreversible lung damage. While avoiding asbestos exposure can prevent the condition from worsening, it cannot reverse the damage that has already been done. People who develop asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure will be affected by the condition for the rest of their lives.

Causes of Asbestosis

Asbestosis is caused by breathing in tiny asbestos fibers. Once inhaled into the lungs, these fibers cannot be destroyed or expelled by the body. They remain embedded in the lung tissue and cause chronic irritation and inflammation. Over time, as this irritation continues, scar tissue develops and replaces healthy lung tissue. Scar tissue is inflexible and cannot contract and expand, which leads to symptoms of asbestosis.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Symptoms of asbestosis begin to appear when lung function has been damaged by asbestos exposure. One of the first signs of asbestosis is when breathing has become noticeably difficult. Many asbestosis patients compare the symptoms they experience to those of asthma. Generally, the first symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath during physical exertion. As the condition worsens, shortness of breath may be experienced even when resting. Other symptoms of asbestosis include painful breathing and coughing. For further information, please see Asbestosis Symptoms.

Diagnosis of Asbestosis

Diagnosis of asbestosis first requires that the patient gives their doctor a full medical history, including details of any known asbestos exposure. If previously exposed, this information is crucial to ensure a correct diagnosis.

In addition, patients will undergo several tests, which may include a pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, and CT scan. These are used to diagnose asbestosis, and may also be used for screening purposes to detect asbestosis in people who have not yet developed symptoms of the disease. For further information, please see Asbestosis Diagnosis.

Treatment for Asbestosis

There is no cure for asbestosis, and no treatments that can reverse the lung damage caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with asbestosis. Treatments for asbestosis are split into three main categories: surgical treatments, drugs, and alternative treatments.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery for asbestosis includes both diagnostic and treatment procedures. Treatment procedures are typically carried out to ease the symptoms of the disease, rather than to cure it. However, for patients with very severe asbestosis, a lung transplant may be considered. For further information about surgical options for asbestosis diagnosis and treatment, please see Asbestos Treatment - Surgery.

Drugs

Drug treatments for asbestosis include pain medication, bronchodilators, and antibiotics. Bronchodilators are prescribed to help ease shortness of breath. These work by relaxing the airways so that more air can be inhaled into the lungs. Bronchodilators for asbestosis are similar in design to those used by asthmatics. Pain medications for asbestosis include over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, and prescription medications. People with asbestosis will also receive antibiotic treatment to reduce the risks of infection. Please see Asbestos Treatment - Drugs for further information.

Alternative Treatments

As with other types of asbestosis treatment, alternative treatments cannot provide a cure. However, many patients find treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbal medicine help relieve symptoms of the disease. For further information about these treatments, please see Asbestos Treatments - Alternative.

Complications of Asbestosis

People with asbestosis may also develop dangerous complications that occur as a result of reduced lung function. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, and buildup of fluid in the lungs. In addition, people who have developed asbestosis may be at risk of other asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancer. For further information about complications of asbestosis, please see Asbestosis Complications. For information about mesothelioma cancers, please see Mesothelioma Overview.