Health Encyclopedia

Asbestosis

Definition

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Alternative Names

Pulmonary fibrosis - from asbestos exposure; Interstitial pneumonitis - from asbestos exposure

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally, and cannot perform gas exchange. The severity of the disease depends upon the duration of exposure to asbestos and the amount inhaled.

Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occurs in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.

Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 - 40 years after exposure. Workers today are less likely to develop asbestos-related disease because of government regulations.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath on exertion
Cough
Tightness in the chest
Chest pain

Possible additional symptoms include the following:

Nail abnormalities
Clubbing of fingers

Signs and tests

When listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation), the doctor may detect a crackling sound.

These tests may help diagnose the disease:

Treatment

There is no cure available. Stopping further exposure to asbestos is essential. To ease symptoms, postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration can help remove secretions from the lungs.

The doctor may prescribe aerosol medications to thin secretions. People with this condition may need to receive oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils. Certain patients may require lung transplantation.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of this illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends upon the duration and extent of the exposure. Patients who develop malignant mesothelioma have a poor probable outcome, with 75% of those affected dying within 1 year.

Complications

Malignant mesothelioma
Pleural effusion

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or if you have unexplained symptoms.

Prevention

In people who are exposed to asbestos, early screening by chest x-ray may help prevent asbestosis.

References

Pupavath S, Godwin JD. Imaging of interstitial lung disease. Radiol Clin North Am. May 2005;43:589-599.

Glazer CS, Newman LS. Occupational interstitial lung disease. Chest. September 2004;25:467-478.

English JC, Leslie KO. Pathology of the pleura. Clin Chest Med. June 2006;27:157-180.

Review Date:3/1/2007
Reviewed By:David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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