Asbestosis

Asbestosis is the chronic lung condition that results from extended exposure to asbestos fibers. Here’s the overview of its symptoms, epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, treatment as well as prevention:

Overview:

Interchangeably classified as an interstitial lung disease (ILD), Asbestosis arises due to inhaling asbestos fibers over a long-time frame mostly in workplaces such as construction sites, mines, shipyards and factories. A mineral group known as asbestos was widely utilized in many industries for their heat resistant and insulating features. Nonetheless, breathing in asbestos fibers may lead to fibrosis or scarring of the lungs with time which result in breathlessness and reduced lung function.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, particularly during exertion
• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness or pain
• Finger clubbing (enlargement and rounding of the fingertips)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Gradual onset of symptoms, typically years to decades after exposure to asbestos

Epidemiology:

• Comparatively speaking, Asbestosis is quite rare when compared to other asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• Incidence of Asbestosis has gone down in many developed countries due to stringent regulations on use of asbestos plus occupational safety precautions.
• Most affected are persons who had spent most of their working lives exposed occupationally to asbestos; these include miners of asbestos material themselves, construction workers who make buildings with this material, shipyard workers and makers of these products themselves.

Causes:

• Inhalation of asbestos fibers: Prolonged lung exposure to inhaled airborne particles of asbestos causes asbestos, a condition wherein these fibers are lodged in the lungs. Overtime, the presence of these fibers leads to chronic inflammation and scarring that affects the lung tissues (pulmonary fibrosis).
• Duration and intensity of exposure: Developing asbestosis depends on how long and how much a person is exposed to it. Those who have been exposed for a longer period or with higher intensity of asbestos are at risk.

Diagnosis:

• Medical history and occupational exposure assessment: Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, work history, and possible exposure to asbestos.
• Physical examination: On conducting physical examinations, there may be certain indicators like crackles on auscultation of the lungs or clubbing fingers.

Treatment:

Asbestosis has no cure; treatment is aimed at symptom management and preventing further decline.

• Medication: Bronchodilators as well as corticosteroids can be prescribed to mitigate symptoms including coughing and breathlessness.
• Oxygen therapy: It will be necessary to provide supplementary oxygen to increase oxygenation and relieve the symptoms in advanced asbestosis patients with respiratory failure.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Exercise training, breathing exercises, combined with education and psychological support in pulmonary rehabilitation programs may improve exercise tolerance, lung function, and quality of life.