Introduction

Asbestosis is a lung disease that happens when people inhale asbestos fibres and dust for a long time. Asbestos is a mineral that creates tiny fibres that stay in the air for a while. People who work in certain jobs and industries face the highest risk of asbestosis. These include construction, manufacturing, mining, milling, mechanics & electricians (especially those who worked before the 1970s). People who take out asbestos products are also at risk. The same goes for people who served in the Navy on ships that used asbestos. When asbestos fibres and dust enter your lungs, they can have an impact on your health. These particles can cause fibrosis, which leads to the thickening and scarring of your lungs. Asbestos also has the potential to thicken the membranes around your lungs known as the pleura. This scarring and thickening of lung tissue can make it hard to breathe. In some instances, asbestosis can result in serious health problems that can threaten your life. Severe cases of asbestosis can be deadly. Exposure to asbestos also increases your chances of developing lung cancer.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

The first sign of asbestosis is difficulty in breathing when you're doing hard work or exercising. You might feel short of breath. Other signs you might experience include: Chest pain and tightness Nail clubbing Cough Crackling sound when breathing in Extreme tiredness and exercise difficulty Weight loss without explanation

Causes of Asbestosis

Breathing in small asbestos fibres or dust is the main reason for asbestosis. Asbestos fibres don't harm unless they get into the air. Once released, the fibres break into tiny bits. These bits float in the air, and people breathe them in. They build up in the lungs causing scars and swelling. Scarred lung tissue becomes stiff and can't expand, making breathing tough. In the past, construction and manufacturing companies used asbestos a lot. People who work in these fields and often breathe in asbestos fibres have the highest chance of developing asbestosis. The more time you spend around asbestos and the higher your exposure the greater your risk of getting asbestosis. Asbestos that's not disturbed - like in insulation or tiles - doesn't make you more likely to get the disease.

Risk Factors for Asbestosis

The following factors affect your chances of getting asbestosis: Duration: The length of time you were exposed to asbestos. Longer exposure increases your risk. Intensity: The amount of asbestos you came into contact with. Type of industry: Your risk decreases if asbestos is bound in a product (like walls or tiles). Your risk goes up if asbestos gets into the air such as during sawing or demolition work. Personal risk factors: Smoking or existing lung problems. Genetics: Having a change in the BAP1 gene.

Diagnosis

Your doctor might also order tests to complete the diagnosis. These could include: Chest X-ray: Reveals lung damage or scarring CT scan of the chest: Identifies early or specific indicators of lung scarring Spirometry: Checks how well your lungs work Bronchoscopy: This helps look inside your airways with a small camera.

Treatment

How doctors treat you depends on how bad your condition is. You might get: Getting extra oxygen through a mask or tube in your nostrils helps you breathe easier. Workouts and lifestyle changes can boost your quality of life. In rare cases, a fresh healthy lung from a transplant can ease symptoms and extend life. Drugs called "anti-fibrotics" can slow down the pace at which scarring worsens, but can't fix existing scars. Your doctor can talk about the pros & cons of these drugs and help you choose what's best for your health.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of developing asbestosis by avoiding long-term contact with asbestos. If your work puts you near this mineral, you should put on a respirator (a mask that strains particles from the air). This safety mask stops you from breathing in asbestos fibres or dust. If you know you have been around asbestos, you should get regular check-ups and chest X-rays. These tests don't stop asbestosis but can help spot it. If you smoke and have been exposed to asbestos avoiding the habit is your best shot at cutting your cancer risk