Asbestosis is a disease of the respiratory system that is caused by the inhalation of dust containing asbestos, also known as asbestos, which generally occurs in people who work performing functions that leave them exposed to this substance, which can lead to chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which does not can be reversed.
If left untreated, asbestosis can give rise to mesothelioma, which is a type of lung cancer, which can appear 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos and whose risk is increased in smokers.
Possible causes
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled for a long period of time, can be lodged in the pulmonary alveoli and cause healing of the tissues that line the inside of the lungs. These scarred tissues do not expand or contract, losing elasticity and, therefore, leading to the emergence of respiratory difficulties and other complications.
In addition, the use of cigarettes appears to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, causing the disease to progress more rapidly.
What symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms of asbestosis are shortness of breath, chest pain and tightness, dry cough, loss of appetite with consequent weight loss, intolerance to efforts and increased distal phalanges of the fingers and nails. In order to perform day-to-day tasks, the person has to make a much greater effort, feeling very tired.
The progressive destruction of the lungs can cause pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, pleural effusion and in more severe cases, cancer.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis can be made by chest X-ray, which shows slight opacities in case of asbestosis. Computed tomography can also be used, which allows a much more detailed analysis of the lungs.
There are also tests that assess lung function, as is the case with spirometry, which allows measuring the person's respiratory capacity.
What is the treatment
Generally, treatment consists of immediately stopping exposure to asbestos, controlling symptoms and removing secretion from the lungs, in order to slow the progression of the disease.
Oxygen can also be administered by inhalation, through a mask, to facilitate breathing.
If the symptoms are very severe, a lung transplant may be necessary. See when the lung transplant is indicated and how the recovery is made.
