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The scar tissue stops the lungs from expanding and filling with oxygen. This can lead to breath shortness and other symptoms, such as coughing and crackling noises inside the chest.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestosis is most often seen in the chest. This is due to the fact that scar tissue forms in large areas of the lung that stiffens the lung and makes it more difficult for them to expand. The stiffness can eventually cause severe breath shortness. Other signs include chest pain, chronic coughing, weight loss and clubbing of fingers. A person with severe asbestosis can also develop a type of heart failure known as corpulmonale.
Doctors determine whether asbestosis is present by studying the medical history of a patient and conducting a variety of tests. They will inquire about possible exposure to asbestos, and also listen to the patient's breathing using a instrument called a stethoscope. If the doctor detects crackling sounds in the lungs it could be a sign of asbestosis. To determine the severity of asbestosis doctors will order an X-ray chest CT scan and an X-ray. The X-rays show the lungs and any other abnormalities. The CT scan shows the thickness of the lung and any scarring.
A lung biopsy isn't always required to diagnose asbestosis. A biopsy is often done to find other illnesses that are common among those who have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
There is no cure for asbestosis, however a treatment program can slow the progression of disease and reduce symptoms. Patients are advised to abstain from smoking and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. They should also get regular vaccines against pneumococcal and influenza to lower the chance of contracting infection. Gauifenesin is one of the medicines prescribed by doctors to reduce secretions and open airways. They may also recommend oxygen supplemental therapy that is delivered via tanks that are thin tubes with prongs that fit into the nose or mouth. Programs for rehabilitation that incorporate exercise and behavioral changes can improve quality of life for people suffering from chronic lung diseases.
In some cases the need for a lung transplant is required to alleviate the extreme shortness of breath caused by asbestosis severe. The long and complex lung transplant procedure is not suitable for all asbestosis sufferers.
Diagnosis
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they get stuck in the lungs. This results in scarring and stiffening of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. As time passes, this leads to a gradual loss of lung function and may even cause respiratory failure. People with a history of work in industries like mining, shipbuilding, and construction are at risk of developing the condition.
Doctors determine the severity of the condition by examining the patient's medical records and performing various diagnostic tests. During a physical examination, doctors listen to the breathing with a stethoscope and may hear crackling sounds known as inspiratory basilar crackles. These crackles are caused by the scarring and stiffening of lungs tissue. In some cases X-rays can confirm a diagnosis. Asbestosis cases that are advanced appear white or honeycomb in appearance on X-rays, while the initial stages of the disease are less obvious when viewed through X-rays.
Other tests include the pulmonary function test, which is used to measure the extent to which the lungs are functioning, and a spirometer that determines the amount of air that a person can breathe and exhale. A CT scan can provide a more detailed image of the lungs, and their surrounding structures, than a standard chest X-ray. This test can detect early stages of the disease before they show on an X-ray of the chest.
You should see your doctor if you notice symptoms of asbestosis as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms.
It takes a long period of time for asbestosis to develop however, it is possible for patients to prevent the signs by maintaining an appropriate life style and avoiding further exposure to asbestos. Sleeping well and eating an appropriate diet can helps regulate energy levels and patients can decrease the risk of developing complications by obtaining the flu and pneumonia vaccines and washing their hands regularly.
Smoking is also important for those suffering from asbestosis, as secondhand smoke can make the condition worse. Avoiding stress, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help reduce symptoms.
Treatment
Asbestosis isn't curable but treatments can help control symptoms and improve breathing. A shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain are all symptoms. These symptoms are caused by scarring in lungs from embedded asbestos fibers. These scars hinder the natural lung functions. Patients can receive oxygen therapy to help ease symptoms. Other non-invasive procedures, such as thoracentesis are available to drain excess fluid from the lungs. Other options for treatment include pulmonary rehabilitation, which aids patients regain control of everyday activities. These programs can be provided in a hospital, a clinic, or at home. Patients can also receive treatment that is supportive including massage and acupuncture.
In a physical examination doctors may utilize a stethoscope for listening to the lungs and search for signs of scarring on the lungs. They can also hear crackling sounds, which could be a sign of asbestosis in the lungs. A doctor can test for the presence of clubbing in fingers as an indication of pneumoconiosis an asbestos-related condition.
If a patient's doctor suspects that a patient has asbestosis, they might decide to order a CT scan or X-ray to examine the lungs in greater detail. A biopsy can be performed to check for asbestos fibers in a sample of lung tissues. They can also test a person's blood to determine if the lungs function and how much oxygen is transferred from the lung to the cells of the body.
Doctors may also test for other conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. They can detect these conditions with a pleural biopsy, which involves inserting a needle in the pleura in order to take a small sample of the lung's lining for further analysis.
Patients suffering from chronic lung diseases can reduce the risk of complications by not smoking cigarettes and following doctors' orders for pulmonary rehab and other supportive care. Additionally, they should be certain to receive the flu vaccine as well as pneumonia vaccine, and other vaccines. They should also consult their doctors about undergoing an organ transplant for their lung if the disease is advanced. Although this is the last option for patients, it could help with serious symptoms and prolong life.
Recovery
Asbestosis is a chronic disease which isn't curable however there are ways to ease symptoms. The most important thing is to avoid exposure to asbestos. This means staying away from buildings and construction sites which haven't been tested and avoid destroying materials in older homes and always wearing the correct personal protective equipment when working on construction or renovation projects. In addition, patients can reduce their symptoms by eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids to ensure that they're getting sufficient nutrients. Being hydrated can help patients maintain their energy levels and lung function. Regular exercise and frequent breaks during work to reduce fatigue. Orlando asbestos attorney can help improve their breathing. Patients should also stop smoking, obtain pneumonia and flu vaccinations, and wash their hands frequently to avoid respiratory infections.
The condition occurs when scar tissue forms in the lungs, making it harder for them to expand and fill with air. The disease is characterized by a dry cough, shortness in breath, and crackling sounds. In more advanced cases, the stiffening of the lung can result in a decrease in oxygen supply to the bloodstream. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss and the rubbing of toes and fingers.
Doctors will check you over, and ask questions about your medical background. This includes asbestos exposure. They'll also examine your lungs. The test for pulmonary function can be used to measure how well your lungs work and detect early stages of disease. Imaging scans, such as X rays or CT scans can detect changes in the lungs as a result of asbestos exposure and assist doctors to determine the stage at which the disease is at.
Emphysema is caused due to damage to the air sacs and lungs. The disease can be present alongside emphysema, however the symptoms are distinct. Other diseases that affect the lungs' interstitium include Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, hypersensitive pneumonitis, pleuropulmonary fibroelastosis and drug-induced fibrosis. The symptoms of all of these conditions are similar to asbestosis. It is important that healthcare professionals distinguish between them.