Asbestosis, the danger of asbestos fibers

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a type of mineral used for installing floors or roofs of buildings.

Damaged asbestos material can release fine dust containing asbestos fibers. Dust containing asbestos fibers can be inhaled by humans. The lungs that inhale asbestos fibers will experience gradual damage, thus inhibiting respiration and absorption of oxygen in the bloodstream.

Symptoms.
Symptoms of asbestosis appear years after continuous exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of asbestosis :

• Chest or shoulder pain.
• Constant dry cough.
• In severe cases, fingernails may become rounded, widened or enlarged.
• Reduced appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Shortness of breath or shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• Breath sounds.

Cause.
Asbestosis is experienced by many workers in the industrial sector. Professions at risk for asbestosis :

• Mining workers.
• Electrical and construction workers.
• Mechanic.
• Rail installation technician.

Asbestosis occurs after a person has inhaled dust containing asbestos fibers for a long time. Dust with asbestos fibers gets trapped in the alveoli (air pockets in the lungs) and forms scar tissue so that the lungs become stiff. The stiff lung tissue prevents the organs from expanding and contracting normally. The sufferer becomes difficult to breathe. This condition will get worse if the patient smokes.

Diagnosis.

• Physical examination to see lung function.
• Chest X-ray.
• Examination of lung function with a spirometer to measure the work of the lung organs in inhaling, holding and exhaling air.
• CT scan.
• To see asbestos fibers in the lung tissue, the doctor will perform a lung biopsy.

The lung tissue of people with asbestosis will look like a wasp nest or a large white area is formed.

Treatment.
Asbestosis cannot be completely cured, but the symptoms can be relieved and the severity of the disease can be reduced. Treatment will show good results if you stop smoking or avoid secondhand smoke.

• Asbestosis patients will be vaccinated, especially the flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce the risk of lung infections.
• Oxygen therapy is given to improve breathing of the patient, if the oxygen level in the blood is very low.
• If the asbestosis is very severe, the patient will be recommended to lung transplant surgery.

Complications.
Complications of asbestosis that can arise :

• Lung cancer.
• Mesothelioma : cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart, stomach or testicles.
• Thickening of the pleura (the lining that encloses the lungs).

Prevention.

• Reducing exposure to asbestos.
• Industrial workers must wear personal protective equipment.
• Workers who are exposed to asbestos materials for more than 10 years should have routine lung checks every three to five years.