Do I Have Asbestosis?

Have you been exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over an extended period of time?

Did you work in an industry such as building or construction, particularly from the 1970s to the 1990s?

Do you come into contact with damaged asbestos-containing materials due to work (construction workers, heating and ventilation engineers, demolition workers, plumbers or electricians)?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you have a persistent, dry cough?

Do you have crackling sound while breathing?

Do you have chest tightness or pain?

Do you have loss of appetite with weight loss?

Do you have blood in sputum?

Do you have fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)?

Do you have hoarseness or difficulty swallowing?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have asbestosis. Asbestosis is a lung disease that occurs due to long-term continuous exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a material that was once often used in the construction industry. When asbestos-containing material is damaged, fine dust full of asbestos fibers is released. When you inhale these fibers, they enter the lungs and can damage them over time. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation, inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Over time, the amount of scar tissue increases, which leads to reduced lung function. In most cases, the symptoms develop within 20 to 30 years after asbestos exposure.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have asbestosis. Asbestosis is a serious medical condition which is characterized by lung damage due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers cause irritation, inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, causing them to become stiff and unable to expand normally. Over time, these changes in the lungs make breathing significantly more difficult. It is believed that smoking contributes to a longer retention of asbestos fibers in your lungs and thus faster progression of the disease. A diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have asbestosis. Asbestosis is a long-term lung disease that develops after years of exposure to asbestos. At the time when asbestosis is diagnosed, the severity of the symptoms can vary from one person to another. There is no cure for asbestosis, but your doctor may recommend various treatment options to relieve your symptoms. Treatment includes changes in lifestyle and diet, medications to help with coughing and pain, as well as the use of inhalers, supplemental oxygen and antibiotics. Many patients benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation that includes new breathing strategies, and techniques to manage stress.