🧱 Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, lodge deep in the lungs and cause inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and progressive lung damage over time.
It is a type of pneumoconiosis, a group of lung diseases caused by inhalation of inorganic dusts.
🔍 Key Features
- Non-cancerous, but increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the pleura).
- The disease develops slowly, usually appearing 10–40 years after exposure.
📋 Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (especially with exertion)
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Clubbing of fingers (in advanced cases)
- Fatigue
- In late stages: respiratory failure and cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure)
🧪 Causes and Risk Factors
Main Cause
- Occupational exposure to asbestos (common in shipbuilding, construction, insulation, brake manufacturing, pipefitting)
Risk Increases With
- Long or heavy exposure
- Smoking (increases the risk of lung cancer in those with asbestosis)
🩺 Diagnosis
- Occupational history is key
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: Shows pleural thickening, interstitial fibrosis, or honeycombing
- Pulmonary function tests: Show restrictive pattern (reduced lung volumes)
- Oxygen saturation or arterial blood gas
- Lung biopsy (rarely needed) can confirm asbestos fibers and scarring
💊 Treatment
There is no cure for asbestosis, but symptoms can be managed.
Supportive Treatments
- Smoking cessation
- Oxygen therapy (for those with low blood oxygen)
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Vaccinations (flu, pneumonia)
- Monitoring for lung cancer or mesothelioma
Medications
- No specific antifibrotic drug is approved for asbestosis, unlike idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Treat respiratory infections promptly.
🚫 Prevention
- Avoid or limit asbestos exposure
- Use proper protective equipment (PPE) if working around asbestos
- Abide by workplace safety regulations (OSHA, EPA)
🔄 Prognosis
- Asbestosis is progressive but usually slow-developing.
- Prognosis depends on the level of lung function impairment and presence of complications like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
⚠️ Important Note: Even a short exposure to asbestos can be dangerous, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.