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Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a respiratory condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to asbestos - the smallest natural fiber known till date. Inhaling these fibers irritate and inflame lung tissues, causing the lung tissues to scar, which make it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly.

Typically, symptoms start to show 10 to 20 years after intial exposure to the asbestos fibre. There are cases where no symptoms are
The severity of the disease depends on various factors:

Exposure to higher levels asbestos concentration
Chronic exposure, i.e., exposure for longer durations
High exposure frequency of asbestos fibres
Size, shape and chemical makeup of the fibers exopsed to

Long and thin fibers are more toxic than short and wide fibres or particles. Because they have the ability to reach the lower airways and alveolar regions of the lung and thus remain in the lungs longer. Wide particles cause lesser damage to the lungs the pleura as they get deposited only in the upper respiratory tract. Short thin fibres, on the other hand, play a more serious role in asbestos pathogenesis.

Signs & Symptoms

The effects of asbestos could be latent for up to 30 years. Eventually, when damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibres lead to stiffness in the lung tissue and hinder the lungs from contracting and expanding normally, it leads to a condition called pulmonary fibrosis. This results in:

Shortness of breath, initially only with exertion, but eventually even while resting
Decreased tolerance for physical activity
Persistent coughing
Chest pain and tightness
Loss of appetite
A dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling
Finger clubbing in some cases

These signs and symptoms are similar to those of asthma, though the way in which they develop is quite different.

Diagnosis

For an accurate diagnosis, a detailed analysis of your work environment and other sources from where you could have exposure to toxic dusts is imperative. If your colleagues have also been experiencing similar symptoms, the possibility of exposure to asbestos at the workplace could be confirmed. This is crucial since preventing further exposure could keep the condition from getting any worse.

Some of these tests help determine the disease:

Pulmonary function tests: These tests assess your lung capacity, as in how much air your lungs can hold and the airflow in and out of your lungs. Some pulmonary function tests measure the amount of gas exchanged across the membrane between your alveoli and capillary blood vessels.

Chest X-ray: This is to detect any abnormalities in your lungs like scarred tissue. Asbestosis appears as excessive whiteness in your lung tissue. If the asbestosis is advanced, your entire lung may be affected, giving it a honeycomb appearance.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan: The scan generally provides greater detail than a usual chest X-ray. This may help detect asbestosis in its early stages, even before it shows up on the chest X-ray.

Prevention

Generally, just being around asbestos products doesn't endanger your health, as long as these products are in good condition. It's when they are damaged or begin to disintegrate that there's a possibility of asbestos fibres being released into the air. If you need repair or removal of an asbestos product, it's best to have it done by a professional.

And if you work in an industry where the danger of exposure to asbestos fibres is high, make sure you have proper equipment like breathing masks to protect yourself. It's also important to have periodical medical examinations to make sure you're not exposed.

Treatment

There is no cure available. Because the effects of asbestos on the alveoli cannot be reversed. Though timely treatment prevents progression of the disease and relieves existing symptoms. Preventing further exposure to asbestos is the first step in treating this condition.

Treatment to reduce the severity of the respiratory symptoms includes removal of secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions are also prescribed. Oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils may be needed ease breathing difficulties. Occasionally, severe cases of asbestosis may be treated with lung transplantation.

There are also certain precautions that need to be taken to minimise additional exertion to the lungs:

Smoking: Smokers suffering from asbestosis face heightened risk of lung cancer and a condition called emphysema, which further reduces your lung reserves. So reducing smoking, or better still quitting the habit, is highly advisable.

Vaccinations: To avoid further strain to your respiratory system, treat colds and coughs promptly. It is also recommended that you take flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Medications: Pulmonary hypertension can be relieved to a certain extent with medication to expand or relax blood vessels, and blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots from forming and obstructing narrowed vessels.

In addition to all this, supplemental oxygen or draining fluid from around the lungs could be necessary.

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