What is asbestosis?
It is a disease resulting from prolonged inhalation of asbestos dust resulting in pulmonary fibrosis. It results from the development of hardened fibrous areas in the lung interstitium, the tissue between the air space in the lung. This is a slowly progressive disease, generally first evidenced by shortness of breath.
Asbestosis is a progressive disease of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate the lung cells, causing the growth of scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane that surrounds the lungs. The scar tissue is thicker and less flexible than normal lung tissue, and cannot expand and contract as easily. Breathing becomes more difficult and painful for the affected person. The scar tissue makes it harder for oxygen to penetrate into the alveoli, the tiny sacs in the lung where oxygen exchange takes place. Asbestosis victims make a characteristic crackling sound when they inhale. Asbestosis also causes a chronic shortness of breath and fatigue, so that many asbestosis victims require constant oxygen. There is no treatment that can reverse asbestosis. Asbestosis is a serious, painful disease which can cause disability or death.
Asbestosis is a lung disease associated with one’s exposure to asbestos products. As researchers at Creighton’s School of Medicine have stated, “asbestosis is a fibrosis or scarring of the lung tissue.” Asbestos is a useful, heat retardant product that is made from fibrous materials raked from mines throughout the world. Asbestos, though useful, poses serious medical risks to anyone exposed to it. Individuals who suffer from asbestosis are five times more likely, according to Creighton researchers, to develop tumors or cancer of the lung than those not exposed to asbestos. In general, the nose and bronchi act as filters and stop many particles from entering the lungs. Asbestos fibers, however, are long, thin, and microscopic. They easily slip through the filters and enter the lungs, where problems begin. Researchers state that asbestosis is most often found in people who are often exposed to this dangerous material. This group includes auto mechanics, shipyard workers, electricians and
