Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs that is caused by exposure to asbestos. When someone breathes in asbestos, the fibers can get stuck in sacs in the lungs and cause scarring. Asbestosis is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Like other asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, there is a long latency period. Asbestosis differs from mesothelioma in that it is not a cancer. Symptoms may not begin to appear for over 20 years after exposure to asbestos. There is currently no cure for asbestosis, but if it is detected early enough, treatments can slow the progression and enhance quality of life.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Although it is possible to get asbestosis through secondhand exposure to asbestos, the diagnosis can normally be traced back to the person’s occupation. Certain occupations, particularly trades, put people at risk of developing asbestosis later in life. Some common occupations associated with asbestos exposure are:
- Car mechanic
- Miner
- Steel mill worker
- Construction worker
- Insulator
- Boiler mechanic
Those who were in the United States Navy are also at a higher risk of developing asbestosis, as asbestos was used very prominently to insulate the pipes in Navy ships.
Symptoms of Asbestosis
Symptoms of asbestosis are very much akin to that of other asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Common symptoms include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Diagnosis
An ultimate diagnosis of asbestosis can usually be made through a CT scan. This differs from a mesothelioma diagnosis, as a biopsy is needed to make a final diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Treatment
If you are a smoker, it is best to try to quit smoking if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis. Smoking can make the disease worse. It can be hard to quit but there are programs in place to help people do so. Another way to treat the disease is through the implementation of oxygen. Oxygen can be given to the patient through a tube that goes into the nose or through an oxygen mask. It is also possible that a doctor may recommend surgery.
Compensation for Asbestosis
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you can seek legal counsel to be compensated for your diagnosis. There are multiple ways to get compensated. If you worked for an employer who negligently exposed you to asbestos, with the help of an asbestos lawyer, you can file a lawsuit against them if they are still in business. If a company that exposed you to asbestos is not in business, it is very possible that they have put money into an asbestos trust fund. You can file a claim with the appropriate funds to receive compensation. Also, if you are a veteran, you can file a claim with Veterans Affairs.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call us at (800) 505-6000. We are here to help. You can also fill out or simple contact form for more information.
Sources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asbestosis/treating-and-managing
