All about Asbestosis
Posted on: October 2, 2023
What is Asbestosis? Asbestosis is not a lung cancer disease but is rather the inhalation or breathing in of asbestos fibers from the air.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled into the body, the lungs are irritated and inflammed. This leads to cell damages.
Consequently, a scar tissue (aka fibrosis) develops in the interstitial spaces around the small airways and alveoli (a tiny, thin-walled, capillary-rich sac in the lungs that facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbondioxide).
This scar tissue prevents oxygen and carbondioxide from travelling between alveoli and the blood cells. This leads to breathing problems.
Asbestosis can be detected by performing x-rays or a PFT (pulmonary function test). The PFT test works when the functioning of the lungs is hindered.
Symptoms of asbestosis
Coughing
Shortness of breath (read above)
The symptoms get worse as the disease expands and grows bigger.
Causes of asbestosis?
Heavy exposure to asbestos is a cause of Asbestosis. Some examples include:
Crew working in boiler and engine rooms in ships.
Workers at asbestos textile factories.
Examples of asbestos products
patching and joint compound soundproofing or decorative material, like acoustical textures duct insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems asbestos and cement shingles, siding, and roofing thermal seals insulated electric and wire panels millboard and transite board pipe and furnace insulation materials the backing on vinyl sheet flooring
More asbestos products…
Note: Not everyone who was exposed to asbestos gets asbestosis.
Have you been exposed to Asbestos? Do you want to find out more information about Asbestos and its relation to Mesothelioma? Do you want to know more about your treatment options or your financial/legal avenues of compensation? Use the form below to contact us. A qualified Mesothelioma Attorney is waiting to receive your email.