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No Cure For Asbestosis No cure exists for asbestosis, however treatments can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Smoking can increase the risk for asbestosis. The group most at risk of developing the deadly lung disease is construction workers, shipyard workers, and veterans who have worked with asbestos-containing materials. Its first symptoms include a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension or clubbing of fingers. Symptoms When workers work with asbestos-containing substances micro-sized fibres can enter the air and be inhaled. The fibres eventually cause irritation to lung tissue, causing it to stiffen and make breathing difficult. This condition is referred to as asbestosis or pulmonary fibrosis, one of more than 200 types of interstitial lung diseases. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are the most at risk of developing this lung condition. The symptoms can develop for years after exposure and range in severity from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include an ongoing cough and chest pain. In some cases the lungs may develop an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which creates a whistling sound that is known as inspiratory crackles when the person breathes. Asbestosis sufferers are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma. The cancer is a threat to the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two conditions. They often share symptoms such as a thickening of the lungs and scarring, a cough, shortness in breath and a lump on the chest. Inform your doctor if are experiencing breathing difficulties. This will help prevent the illness from worsening and will help your doctor diagnose the condition. Your doctor will review your medical background, work history, and lung function tests in order to make an assessment. X-rays and CT scans are used to determine the extent of lung damage. If your doctor suggests an X-ray biopsy, if they reveal that you have a lung tumor or nodule, it's likely they will order one. This involves inserting a needle into your lung to take a sample of the tissue. This can be painful but it is essential to determine whether lung lesions are caused by other illnesses, such as mesothelioma or other lung cancers. It's also recommended that patients who suffer from asbestosis receive the pneumococcus and pneumonia vaccines in order to protect themselves from infections in their weak lung tissue. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos may cause scarring known as asbestosis. It can take between 20 and 30 years after exposure before symptoms appear but it can take even longer. The material is made of microscopic fibres which enter the lungs when you breathe in. These fibres stick in the lungs, causing stiffness and scarring the lung. Your lungs will eventually get weaker and you'll be unable to breathe. Before it was banned asbestos was used extensively in the manufacturing and construction industries. A doctor can diagnose the problem by looking over your medical history, and then conducting an exam. During the examination your doctor will employ a stethoscope to listen to your lungs as you breathe. If they hear sounds of crackling they'll suspect you are suffering from asbestosis. Doctors can also look at the lungs with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. These scans can reveal indications of lung damage like scarring, and may help narrow down the diagnosis. They might also inquire about your working history to determine if you were exposed to asbestos. If your doctor suspects that you have asbestosis, they'll take chest X-rays as well as pulmonary function tests to assess the quality of your breath. These tests can help doctors rule out other conditions which can cause breathing problems such as emphysema and idiopathic lung fibrosis. X-rays and PFTs will also detect abnormalities in the structure of your lung. The lungs are made up of main airways, also known as bronchi. The bronchi branch out into smaller passageways, then tiny sacs referred to as alveoli. The lungs are a key organ for the intake of oxygen and can only be effective in this capacity when they are free of scar tissue. If you've been diagnosed with asbestosis, your healthcare provider will suggest treatments to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. This may include supplemental therapy. It is delivered through thin tubes that have prongs that fit into your nostrils or through a mask. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This can teach you breathing exercises and how to change your daily habits. In more serious cases doctors may need to remove a small amount of lung tissue to determine whether asbestos is present. However, it is an incision and is not usually advised. Treatment Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause scarring to the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and restricts movement. Asbestos is a natural mineral that can be found in many factories and buildings. It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest. This is why those working in industries such as shipbuilders and boilermakers should talk to their doctor in case they suffer from breathing issues. The majority of people diagnosed with asbestosis have an experience in building and manufacturing industries. The first symptoms of asbestosis are typically dry, persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Those with severe cases may develop clubbing of the fingers that causes them to get larger and more round than normal, and can occasionally lead to lung or heart problems. The first step to treating asbestosis is to see an ophthalmologist who listens to your lung using the stethoscope and ask you to provide your working history. If you are experiencing symptoms that are present, they will refer you to a specialist for lung diseases for additional tests. It's also crucial to inform your doctor if have any other health issues and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. Asheville asbestos lawyers is because asbestos-related diseases can be misdiagnosed as other lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Specialists can tell the presence of asbestosis by taking an ointment sample from your lung tissue, which is known as biopsy. They use a tiny needle to remove the fluid or tissue from your lungs and examine the tissue under a microscope to determine evidence of fibrosis. They may also test for other conditions like mesothelioma, and other cancers which can cause similar symptoms as asbestosis. When asbestosis is detected it is possible to treat the any underlying fibrosis to improve your breathing and overall quality of life. They may prescribe oxygen therapy or a humidifier or even medication to ease your breathing and lessen the cough. They may also advise you to stop smoking, since smoking can make the condition worse. In extremely severe cases, some patients may need an organ transplant to improve their breathing capacity and prolong their lives. Prognosis After asbestosis has been diagnosed there is no cure. Treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. It is important to adhere to your health professional's advice on managing the disease. It is also essential to not smoke because smoking can cause the condition to get worse. Asbestosis is a condition that results from long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, which in turn cause the lungs to become scarred and stiff. Blue (or crocidolite), brown and white asbestos are more harmful than the other. When asbestos is mined it is a thin fibrous substance that is able to be broken into fibres. When the material is cut or drilled, fractured, or deteriorates, it releases these fibres into the air. When workers breathe in the fibres, they can become trapped in their lungs, which can lead to stiffening and scarring of the lungs. It can take as long as 20 years before the first symptoms of the disease show up. Once symptoms are evident they typically become worse over time. The lungs' scarring can't be reversed, however the prevention of exposure to further exposure can reduce the severity of symptoms. It is essential to talk to your health professional If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos. They will ask about your medical history and occupation to determine if it is possible that you could be at risk of asbestos exposure. During the physical exam the doctor will use the stethoscope in order to listen to your lungs, and will note any crackling noises. The doctor will also check to see if your fingers and toes are swollen, which is an indication of asbestosis. They may also request chest X-rays, which show advanced asbestosis, which is manifested as excessive whiteness of the lung tissue. Asbestosis is not a form of cancer it can be linked to pleural mesothelioma. It is a type of cancer that occurs in the lining lining the lung. When you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your odds of developing pleural cancer rise. A well-balanced diet, plenty of exercise and rest can aid in managing asbestosis. Medications can also help, such as those that thin lung secretions and relieve chest pain. A pulmonologist can provide patients with treatment options that include additional oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. It is important to be on top of vaccinations, including those for influenza and pneumococcal since asbestosis can increase the risk of contracting an infection.