Asbestosis - What Is It And Where Does It Come From?

Asbestosis is a serious illness. You should educate yourself about this disease. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is caused when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. Long-term exposure, has been proven to result in asbestosis and even cancer. Those who are at a high risk for this medical condition work in the fields of mining, manufacturing plants or industries requiring the removal of asbestos filled building materials on a daily basis. The signs and the symptoms of asbestosis may take decades to surface. Asbestosis causes a scarring of the tissues in the lungs around the alveolar ducts and the terminal bronchioles. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can be distributed within the thoracic cavity; in the lung, the parietal and visceral pleura, and in the thoracic lymph nodes. There are two main sources of asbestos fibers - commercial or industrial products, such as the asbestos used in construction, and naturally occurring asbestiform fibers found in the environment. Asbestiform form fibers are asbestos-like materials with a chemical composition slightly different from asbestos. There are currently no known cures for asbestosis and current treatment strategies are limited. Moreover, no universally accepted standard therapy exists. But, there are options to help manage the side effects of this condition. Once a firm diagnosis is made, patients are evaluated carefully and a therapeutic plan is tailored to fit their needs. Many receive oxygen therapy and medication but treatment plans depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease and the patient's age and general health. Those who have asbestosis and also smoke are at a higher risk for particular malignancies. Everyone who suffers from asbestosis should go through regular and routine x-rays of the chest, clinical evaluations, cancer screenings and pulmonary function tests. This condition may have to be reported to the State Health Department depending on the jurisdiction. Those diagnosed with asbestosis may choose to seek legal council to help them pursue a lawsuit. If you do have asbestosis you may want to learn more about your legal rights. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos consider seeking medical advice.