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Asbestosis

Asbestosis, like mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Unlike mesothelioma, asbestosis is not a cancerous asbestos disease. This is not to say that asbestosis is not deadly, as it can cause severe respiratory problems and even death. Asbestosis is considered an occupational disease as it usually affects those who are exposed to asbestos on the job. Higher levels of exposure increase the risk of developing asbestosis and other asbestos diseases, but there is no safe, or minimal, level of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Exposure

People are exposed to asbestos in various ways. Since asbestos was used in so many products, many situations put workers, and those that come into contact with asbestos-contaminated hair and clothing of those workers, at risk for developing an asbestos disease. Asbestos exposure that causes mesothelioma can also lead to asbestosis. Though all forms of asbestos can cause asbestosis and other asbestos diseases, studies show that amosite and crocidolyte asbestos are more prone to cause asbestosis.

Asbestos Disease - Asbestosis

Asbestosis, also called diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, is characterized by severe scarring of the lung tissue. Once microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they work their way to the bottom of the lungs and usually get stuck in the alveoli, the tiny air sacks where oxygen and other gasses are exchanged with waste gasses in the blood stream. Normally, immune system cells called macrophages attack and engulf foreign particles in the alveoli and the rest of the body, but tiny, thin asbestos fibers irritate these specialty cells and surrounding tissue. This leads to an increased immune response and resulting irritation and scarring.

This scarring caused by asbestosis can result in permanent injury to the lungs. Symptoms of asbestosis can include shortness of breath, coughing, and crackling sound when breathing. Sometimes chest pains may be a symptom of asbestosis, along with fatigue and weakness when exercising and eventually, even when resting. Decreased lung capacity caused by asbestosis can lead to heart disease as a result of oxygen deprivation.

Asbestosis weakens the lungs' natural ability to fight off infections. As a result, many health complications resulting from asbestosis are caused by other illnesses like influenza and pneumonia. Early diagnosis of both asbestosis and preventative measures against lung illnesses are key to maintaining the health of an asbestosis patient.

Like mesothelioma, asbestosis can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are not specific to the disease and proper diagnosis usually cannot be made without a chest x-ray or CT scans. Asbestosis, like other asbestos diseases, also has a very long latency period from 15 to 45 years. A history of asbestos exposure should be disclosed to your physician if asbestosis or mesothelioma is suspected.

If you have developed asbestosis, asbestos exposure is to blame. Victims of asbestosis and asbestos disease related to asbestos exposure may be entitled to monetary compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and more. The manufacturers and employers who exposed their workers and consumers to asbestos may be held responsible for asbestos diseases like asbestosis. Please contact an asbestos attorney today to learn more about your rights and for an asbestos disease case review.

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