Conditions
The following conditions are respiratory conditions associated with inhaling asbestos. If you wish to find out more information about nonrespiratory cancers that may be associated with asbestos such as pertoneal or pericardial mesothelioma visit the comments on nonrespiratory cancers and exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease of the lungs. The inflammation and scar tissue that results from inhaled asbestos fibers, as well as the toxic effects of the fibers on the tissue in the lungs, causes asbestosis. The scarring makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. The latency period for the onset of asbestosis is typically 10-20 years after the initial exposure. The disease can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling and potentially fatal.
Microscopic view of lung tissue with asbestosis.
Symptoms
The main symptom of asbestosis is progressive shortness of breath, particularly with exertion. A persistent cough productive of mucus may sometimes be present but is not typical.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment specifically for asbestosis. Management of the disease largely involves control of symptoms, withdrawal of aggravating factors such as tobacco and additional asbestos exposure, and vaccination against influenza and pneumonia. Supplemental oxygen is sometimes needed, as well.
Pleural Abnormalities
Persons with significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing various abnormalities of the lining of the lung, or pleura types of pleural (lining of the lungs). These abnormalities include plaques, thickening, calcification, and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which may affect the lining of the lings (plura) or the abdominal contents (peritoneum). Most mesotheliomas are caused by exposure to asbestos. You can read more about mesothelioma here
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that invades and sometimes obstructs the lung's air passages. Cigarette smoking greatly increases the likelihood of a person developing lung cancer as the result of asbestos exposure. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of lung cancer may include unexplained weight loss. People who develop these symptoms do not necessarily have lung cancer, but they should consult a physician for advice.
Scanning Electron Micrograph of Lung Cancer Cells.
