Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a rare yet dangerous lung disease that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified asbestos-related illnesses as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma, asbestosis is often used as a term to define all asbestos-related diseases. In actuality, asbestosis is a chronic infection of the alveoli of the lungs, which are the primary sites of gas exchange with the blood. As these tissues become inflamed, fibroids develop, leading eventually to asbestosis. Unlike mesothelioma, asbestosis is not a malignant tumor of the lung.

Asbestos is a group of naturally emerging minerals that are known for their strong and flexible fibers. Throughout history, asbestos have been recognized for their ability to not only insulate, but also to resist heat. Asbestos have been used in hundreds of products and industries, and while most companies knew of their harmful nature, they were so important in most industries that companies failed to inform employees of the risks of asbestos exposure. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to the scarring of lung tissue, asbestosis and cancer. While there is no cure for asbestos related illnesses, doctors agree that asbestosis and mesothelioma can be avoided by preventing exposure to asbestos. If asbestos exposure does occur, the risk of developing serious illnesses increases as the time spent in proximity to asbestos increases.

Fortunately, most people who are exposed to asbestos never develop any serious illnesses. Today, most asbestos exposure occurs during the removal of asbestos from ceiling, flooring and insulation from old buildings. However, before 1975, asbestos exposure rates were much higher due to the major economical benefits of asbestos use. While most serious illnesses occur in those in direct contact with asbestos, this was not the only way in which exposure occurred. Often times, people who lived with those who worked with asbestos developed serious illnesses just by breathing in asbestos fibers which were left on workers’ clothing. While asbestos exposure still occurs today, there are strict government regulations surrounding the containment of asbestos, making most exposure to asbestos much safer.

When asbestos exposure occurs, the fibers are inhaled into the lungs, and can cause scarring inside of the lung. When the fibers are inhaled, they reach the alveoli, or the parenchymal (functional) tissues of the lung. The body then identifies these particles as foreign to the body, causing the immune system to react with an inflammatory response. As the lungs become built up with scar tissue, they begin to lose their elasticity and ability to contract normally. Because of this, the alveoli cannot perform gas exchange in the lungs. As the scarring in the lungs worsens, victims typically notice shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Additionally, victims sometimes notice clubbing (thickening) of fingers and toes. Unlike mesothelioma and other asbestos related lung diseases, coughing is not typically associated with asbestosis. Once these symptoms are present, they usually worsen rapidly. However, the symptoms of asbestosis usually don’t appear for decades, making diagnosis extremely difficult. In the later stages of the disease, the inability of the alveoli to perform gas exchange can cause respiratory failure, which leads to corpulmonale or heart failure.

To diagnose asbestosis, doctors will typically begin with the auscultation, or listening to the chest with a stethoscope. A crackling sound is usually heard in patients who are in the later stages of asbestosis. Other tests are then run, such as X-Rays, CT scans, spirometry measurements, lung volume and capacity tests, and pulmonary lung tests. Spirometry and capacity tests measure how efficiently the lung is working.

Those who suspect that they have been exposed to asbestos should have their lungs screened regularly for asbestosis and other asbestos-related illnesses, even if no symptoms are present. While there is no cure for asbestosis, treatment is more effective if the disease is detected early. Asbestosis is usually treated by removing sections of the lungs by postural drainage, vibration treatment and chest percussion. Aerosol medications are also administered to thin secretions, and the patient usually receives oxygen through a small mask or nose-piece. If symptoms of asbestosis or other asbestos-related illnesses are present, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately.

Last modified: April 29, 2009