ASBESTOSIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation of the lung due to breathing asbestos particles. It is a chronic disorder, but is not contagious. It may lead to cancer of the lung (likelihood greatly increased in cigarette smokers).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lungs.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Men over age 40 who have been exposed to asbestos.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms:

Shortness of breath; cough that produces little or no sputum; general ill feeling.

Late symptoms:

Fitful sleep; appetite loss; chest pain; hoarseness; coughing blood; symptoms of congestive heart failure; bluish nails.

CAUSES--Many years of exposure to small particles of asbestos at work or other sources. The outer part of the lung becomes irritated by the asbestos fibers, leading to inflammation and to a thickening and scarring of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis). Up to 20 years or more may elapse between exposure to asbestos and the symptoms of the disease.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Occupations involving asbestos-related industry.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.

HOW TO PREVENT

• During exposure to asbestos, wear a protective mask or external-air-supplied hood.
• Follow recommended industrial procedures to suppress asbestos dust.
• Don't smoke.
• Participate in a regular physical exercise program to maintain good cardiopulmonary fitness.
• For workers in asbestos industries, regular scheduled x-rays to detect any shadow on the lungs. If so, the person should stop working with asbestos, even if there are no symptoms.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-ray of the chest.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Tuberculosis (late stages of silicosis).
• Heart failure due to lung disease.
• Lung collapse.
• Pleurisy.
• Lung cancer.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable. However, symptoms can be relieved or controlled. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----The following measures may relieve symptoms and protect against recurrent lung infections:

• Obtain medical treatment for any respiratory infection, including the common cold.
• Practice bronchial drainage. Your doctor will provide instructions.
• Chest physical therapy techniques will be provided by respiratory therapist.
• Use an ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifier to loosen bronchial secretions so they can be coughed up easily. Clean humidifier daily.
• Keep influenza and pneumococcal immunizations up to date.
• Avoid crowds and persons with infections.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics for infections. Bronchodilators (inhaled or oral) with inhalation therapy (supervised at first by an inhalation therapist) to open bronchial tubes to the maximum.
• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.
• Supplemental oxygen may be necessary.

ACTIVITY--

• Rest in bed with infections.
• After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as symptoms improve.
• Regular exercise in whatever form tolerated is important to preserve lung capacity.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of asbestosis.
• The following occurs during treatment: Temperature spike of 101F (38.3C) or more. Increased chest pain or breathlessness. Blood in the sputum. Continuing weight loss.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.