Asbestosis

By Author: Vijay K Shetty
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There are many diseases which cause damage to lungs and asbestosis is one of them. Asbestosis is actually a disease caused due to inhalation of asbestos fibers for longer time. Asbestosis is a severe lung disease in which lungs of an individual are scarred permanently due to inhalation of asbestos particles. This disease is also known as pulmonary fibrosis and it has no cure. People working in construction areas, mining factories are prone to asbestosis.

When the asbestos particles are inhaled through nose or mouth, they enter directly into lungs and start affecting them. These asbestos fibers activate the immune system of lungs. The white blood cells i.e. WBC’s attack asbestos fibers and try to break them down. But these cells fail to perform this task. As a result of this, scar tissues are formed. These scar tissues formed more over time stops the function of lung to deliver oxygen to different tissues of the body and release carbon dioxide. This entire process is commonly known a fibrosis.

Asbestosis is not easy to diagnose. Some tests are done by doctors to diagnose the disease. These tests are pulmonary ...
... function tests. This test will determine the capacity of the lungs to hold the air. It also determines the airflow in and out of the lungs. X-ray of chest is done to detect the scarred tissues. Now a day’s CT scan is done in order to get more details related to the disease. The symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, fatigue, tiredness, coughing, excess chest pain. These symptoms are not shown by an affected person for 20-30 years. As soon as the lung tissues start becoming stiff the person will show symptoms as his lungs will not be able to work properly. Also, the hand, ankles of the suffering person will swell. The person won’t be able to sleep well. When it is diagnosed, it can be kept under control so that you can you live your remaining life better.

Asbestosis may also cause other lung diseases like lung cancer and Mesothelioma. These diseases can prove fatal. Anyone can suffer from asbestosis. Especially people staying near asbestosis factories or construction areas are prone to have lung diseases. Small traces of asbestos can hardly cause any damage. But the people who are continuously in contact with the asbestos can have this disease. Sufferer should take better care of himself. If he smokes, he should immediately quit. One should avoid contact with asbestos. This can be done to keep things from getting worse. In very severe situations, lung transplanting is an option and supplemental oxygen can be administered.

If a person is suffering from asbestosis, then he can claim for compensation. Sufferer can also go to expert for help and get advice and information related to claim.

Vijay K Shetty, Platinum Level Author.
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