Asbestosis is a long term lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers – (asbestos in not dangerous when left untouched, however if damaged or moved it can release its fibres)
Asbestos is a whitish natural mineral product /material which is resistant to heat and corrosion and hence was used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing in the past, but is now no longer used).
This condition is irreversible.
If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over a long period of time, some of the airborne fibers can become lodged within your alveoli — the tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood.
The asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing the lungs to become stiff. This makes it difficult to breathe.
As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue becomes scarred. Eventually, your lung tissue becomes so stiff that it can’t contract and expand normally.
Smoking cigarettes appears to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, and often results in a faster progression of the disease.
Symptoms can vary greatly and usually don’t appear until many years after continued exposure.
Cause
Inhaling asbestos fibers
History of exposure to asbestos (particular in years 1970 – 1990’s)
Source: British Lung Foundation
Source: Mesothelioma.com
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Symptoms
Short of breath or breathing difficulties?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Pain in chest or shoulder?
A persistent dry cough which is longer than three weeks?
Loss of appetite with weight loss?
Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)?
Tight chest and/or chest pain?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Mesothelioma – cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, tummy, heart or testicles
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Asbestosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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