Asbestosis
Asbestosis (as-bes-TOE-sis) is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Repeated exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung tissue scarring, which restricts lung function and results in shortness of breath. Asbestosis may lead to the following issues:
- disability
- mesothelioma (cancer affecting the membranes lining the lungs and abdomen)
- lung cancer
- cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum
- death
Causes
When exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over an extended period, some of the airborne fibers become lodged within the tiny alveoli sacs inside your lungs. The asbestos fibers damage the alveoli sacs, reducing your lung’s ability to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen in your blood. The lungs form scar tissue in response to the inflammation and damage created by the asbestos fibers.
As asbestosis progresses, your lung tissue becomes so stiff that it cannot contract and expand normally, reducing your ability to breathe.
Smoking appears to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, and often results in a faster progression of the disease.
Symptoms
The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos can take 10 to 40 years to develop. Symptoms of asbestosis can vary in severity. Signs and symptoms may include:
- shortness of breath
- a persistent dry cough
- loss of appetite with weight loss
- fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)
- chest tightness or pain
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which of the following is listed as a symptom of asbestosis?
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