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No Cure For Asbestosis There is no cure for asbestosis, but treatments can help to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Smoking greatly increases patients' chance of developing this chronic disease. Shipyard workers, construction workers and military veterans who have worked with asbestos-containing building materials are among the people most likely to develop the deadly lung disease. The first signs are an ongoing cough and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension and the finger clubbing. Symptoms When people work with asbestos-containing materials, microscopic fibres can enter the air and be inhaled. These fibres eventually irritate lung tissue, causing it to stiffen and make breathing difficult. This condition is known as asbestosis, or pulmonary fibrosis, one of more than 200 types of interstitial lung disease. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos for a long period of time are more at risk of developing this lung condition. The symptoms do not manifest until decades after exposure and may range in severity from mild to severe. The most frequent symptoms include an ongoing cough and chest pain, as well as shortness of breath. In certain instances the lungs can develop a build-up of fluid within the pleural space, which produces a whistling sound known as inspiratory crackles when someone breathes. People with asbestosis are also at higher risk of developing mesothelioma, which is cancer that affects the chest cavity's lining and abdomen. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate the symptoms of both diseases, which typically share similar symptoms, including scarring and thickening of the lungs cough, shortness of breath and a lump in the chest. Consult your physician if you have breathing issues. This will prevent the condition from getting worse and will enable your doctor to determine the severity of the condition. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will review the medical history of you and your work history as well as lung function tests. 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 an lung tumor or a nodule, it is likely they will order one. This involves inserting a needle into the lungs to remove a small amount of tissue. This can be a painful process, but is necessary to determine whether lung lesions are caused by other diseases, such as mesothelioma or other lung cancers. Patients with asbestosis must also be given the pneumococcus or pneumonia vaccines. This will help to prevent lung infections in patients with weak lungs. Diagnosis Inhaling asbestos can cause the formation of scars, known as asbestosis. Symptoms usually appear 20-30 years after exposure, however they may take longer. The material is composed of microscopic fibers which enter your lungs when you breathe in. These fibres adhere to the lung and make them stiffer. Eventually, your lungs become inefficient and you have difficulty getting breathe. Before it was banned, asbestos was widely used in the building and manufacturing industries. A doctor can diagnose the condition by reviewing your medical history, and then conducting a physical exam. During the examination the doctor will use the stethoscope in order to examine your lungs while you breathe. If they hear sounds of crackling they'll suspect you have asbestosis. Doctors can also examine the lungs using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans. These scans may reveal evidence of lung damage, such as scarring and narrow down the diagnosis. They might also inquire about your working history to determine if you were exposed to asbestos. If your doctor suspects you have asbestosis, they'll request chest X-rays and lung function tests to determine how well you breathe. These tests will help doctors determine other conditions which can cause breathing problems like emphysema, or Idiopathic lung fibrosis. X-rays and PFTs will also detect changes in the structure of your lung. The lung has main airways, also known as bronchi, which branch into smaller passageways, and then tiny sacs called alveoli. The lungs are a crucial organ for oxygen intake and can only function properly when they are free of scar tissue. If you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor will suggest treatments to lessen your symptoms and increase your quality of life. This can include oxygen therapy that is supplemental. This is delivered through thin tubing that has prongs that fit inside your nostrils or a mask. Your healthcare provider may also suggest a pulmonary rehabilitation program that will instruct you on exercises and methods for changing your routines to aid in breathing easier. In more serious cases, doctors may remove a small amount lung tissue to check for asbestos. A biopsy is an in-depth procedure which is not recommended. Treatment Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lungs (fibrosis), which restricts breathing and makes it difficult. It generally takes years of exposure to the mineral in buildings and factories before symptoms appear, which is why it's essential that those who worked in industries that used asbestos – like electricians, shipbuilders, boilermakers and carpenters – talk to their doctor about any breathing problems they may have. Most people diagnosed with asbestosis are former workers in the construction and manufacturing industries. The first signs of asbestosis are usually a persistent, dry cough, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Severe cases can lead to clubbing, a condition in which fingers grow wider and more round. This may lead to lung or heart problems. The first step in treating asbestosis is to visit an ophthalmologist, who will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope and ask about your working background. If you have symptoms, your doctor will refer you to an expert in lung diseases to conduct additional tests. Inform your doctor of any other diseases you may suffer from and if you've been exposed asbestos. This is because asbestos-related conditions could be misdiagnosed as other lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Specialists can tell the presence of asbestosis by taking a sample of your lung tissue, which is known as biopsy. They will use a small needle to remove fluid or tissue from your lungs and then examine it under a microscope for evidence of fibrosis. They can also test for other illnesses like mesothelioma, and other cancers which can cause similar symptoms as asbestosis. When asbestosis is detected, doctors can treat an underlying fibrosis condition to improve breathing and quality of life. Davenport asbestos lawsuits might recommend a humidifier or oxygen therapy or even medication to aid in breathing and lessen coughing. They will also advise you to stop smoking, because smoking causes the condition to get worse. In the most severe cases, patients may require a lung transplant to improve their breathing and extend their lives. Prognosis Once asbestosis is present, there is no cure. Treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Follow the advice of your doctor for managing the condition. Smoking can also make the condition worse. Asbestosis can occur when the lung becomes stiff and scarred from exposure to asbestos fibres. Blue (or crocidolite) brown, white and blue asbestos are more harmful than the other. When asbestos is mined it is a thin fibrous material that is divided into fibres. When the material is cut or broken, drilled or degrades, it releases fibres into the air. When workers inhale these fibres, they may become trapped in their lungs, which can lead to lung scarring and stiffening. It could take up to 20 years before the first symptoms of the disease appear. Once symptoms do occur they usually become worse over time. The scarring in the lungs cannot be reversed, but avoiding further exposure can decrease the severity of symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to speak with your doctor. They will inquire about your health background and work experience to determine if you could be at risk of exposure to asbestos. When you undergo a physical examination the doctor will examine your lungs using a stethoscope and note any crackling sounds. The doctor will also look to determine if your fingers and toes are swollen, which is an indication of asbestosis. They may also request chest radiographs which show asbestosis in its advanced stage as excessive whiteness of the lung tissue. Asbestosis, while not a form of cancer is associated with pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs. When you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your chances of developing pleural cancer increase. A balanced diet, plenty of rest and exercise can help manage asbestosis. Certain medications, such as ones that thin the lungs and alleviate chest pain, can be helpful. A pulmonologist is able to provide patients with treatment options, such as additional oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. It is also crucial to stay current on vaccines, like pneumococcal and influenza, as asbestosis may increase the risk of contracting an infection.