Asbestosis

Asbestosis disease is a type of lung disease which is caused by inhaling asbestos dust and fibres. This disease causes scarring of your lungs and pleura. This disease (Asbestosis) can be managed but not fully cured.

Symptoms of asbestosis can range from mild to severe but usually don't appear until the many years of first exposure. Asbestos is a natural form of mineral product which is resistant to heat and corrosion. Asbestos was largely used in the past in products like insulation, cement and some tiles.

The federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the 1970s, people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before. Nowadays handling of asbestos products or asbestos are strictly regulated. Only trained and accredited professionals and experts in asbestos product management. Treatments should focus on only relieving your symptoms, not for complete cureness.

Signs and Symptoms

Usually asbestosis symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease. Typically symptoms of asbestosis will not appear even after 20 to 30 years of first asbestos exposure.

You may notice the first symptom of asbestosis is having trouble breathing (being short of breath), particularly while you are working hard or exercising. Other symptoms of asbestosis are:

• Chest pain and tightness.
• Clubbing of your nails (large, rounded fingernails and toenails).
• Cough.
• While inhaling, I feel Crackling sound.
• Fatigue, extreme tiredness and trouble exercising.
• Unusual weight loss.

Causes

Let’s see the main cause of asbestosis is inhaling asbestos fibres or dust over a long period of time. This will lead to the thickening of lungs and scarring of lungs and affects the pleura called that lines your lungs.

Inhaling of asbestos particles in the air which causes asbestosis.

Asbestos was widely used in the building and manufacturing industries in the past. As a result, After repeatedly inhaling asbestos particles, some people developed asbestosis while at work in these industries.

• asbestos presents in products like:
• Car clutch pads and brake linings.
• Construction cement, putties and plaster.
• Insulation.
• Pipe wrapping.
• Siding and roof shingles.
• Vinyl floor tiles.

Risk factors

The risk of developing asbestosis is usually dependent on individuals who are exposed to asbestos due to the nature of their job. Such related jobs are listed below:

• Miners of asbestos
• Aircraft and automobile repair workers
• Operator of boilers
• Employees in the building industry
• Electricians
• Railroad personnel
• Workers in mills and refineries
• Shipyard personnel

Employers are removing older construction buildings' steam pipes' which is asbestos insulation. Typically, the quantity and length of asbestos exposure are mostly connected to the risk of asbestosis. The level of risk of lung injury depends on exposure levels.

House members are also affected through the exposed workers by secondhand infection of asbestos fibres through garments. Asbestos dust particles are mixed into the air may also affect the people who live close to the mines.

Diagnosis

Asbestosis can be challenging to diagnose because the signs and symptoms of asbestosis are very similar to other respiratory problems.

Physical tests

As part of the evaluation process, Your health care provider will talk to you about your medical history, profession, and possible asbestos exposure. Your health care provider will use a stethoscope to carefully listen to your lungs during breathing to check whether they make a crackling sound or not.

For diagnosing, several tests could be required.

Imaging Tests

Your lungs are visualised by taking these exams:

Chest X-ray:

Taking supplements like iron and iron medications and iron rich foods, blood transfusions, surgery or even cancer treatment. Iron supplement is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion mostly in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CT scan:

During a CT(Computerized tomography) scan, cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body are created by combining a number of X-ray views acquired from various angles. These CT scans typically offer more information and it is typically identified asbestosis early on, even before it manifests on a chest X-ray.

Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function testing is used for  assessing your lungs' efficiency.  These will help to check your lungs capacity to store air as well as airflow. During the examination, you could use a spirometer to blow as forcefully as you can into a spirometer during the examination. Pulmonary function testing can be used to measure oxygen delivery to your bloodstream.

Diagnostic procedures

Your healthcare provider will often extract fluid and tissue from your body for testing to look for asbestos fibres or aberrant cells. Testing might include:

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is called a biopsy which usually takes a fluid or tissue sample from your lungs by inserting into your lungs after passing down your throat and into your mouth or nose. FOr this process, the bronchoscope is used which has a light and a tiny camera that the doctor can use to look within your lungs’ airways for any anomalies.

Thoracentesis

For removing extra fluids for lab analysis to improve your breathing. First you doctor administer a local anaesthesia before inserting a needle into your chest wall between your ribs and lungs. For placing this needle at the right point doctors use ultrasonography to place the needle.

Treatment

The effects of asbestos cannot be reversed with medication on the alveoli. Usually this treatment targets relief from symptoms and reduces the disease’s course and avoids consequences. Routine follow-up care at regular intervals, including lung function tests and chest X-rays or CT scans are dependent on the severity of your condition. Infections in the respiratory system should be treated quickly to avoid consequences.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent asbestosis is to limit your asbestos exposure. You must take extra precautions, if you're working in construction and other businesses that operate with asbestos products. If asbestos-containing products are broken, there is a huge risk of inhaling asbestos fibres being discharged into the air.

There is little risk, as long as asbestos is contained and unaltered. In the working areas, always have certified and skilled asbestos professionals to examine, fix, or remove your asbestos-containing goods.

Lifestyle changes and self-care

In addition to receiving medical care:

Avoid smoking

Usually lung cancer risk hugely rises in the presence of asbestosis. You can decrease the risk by quitting smoking. Most importantly, you should stay away from

secondhand smoking. Typically smoking will weaken your lung reserves by giving extra harm to your lungs and airways.

Take vaccine

Speak with your healthcare provider about vaccines like COVID-19 vaccination, flu and pneumonia shots. By taking these type of vaccines which helps to reduce your chance of developing lung infections

Prevent additional exposure to asbestos

Additional asbestos exposure may make your illness worse.