Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects the parenchymal tissues of the lungs. Asbestosis is caused due to inhalation and retention of asbestos fibers. Asbestosis usually occurs after high intensity exposure to asbestos and/or exposure to asbestos for prolonged period. As the disease occurs among workers of factories manufacturing products with asbestos (involve in mining, manufacturing, handling or removal of asbestos) or the users of the asbestos containing products, Asbestosis is considered an occupational lung disease. Individuals suffering from asbestosis are at high risk of developing lung disease such as lung cancers (including mesothelioma). The most important and common symptom of asbestosis is severe breathlessness.

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment (no curative treatment) of asbestosis. Treatment of asbestosis is symptomatic in nature and meant to alleviate symptoms. Administration of oxygen (at home or at hospital) is usually required for relieving symptom of breathlessness. Prolonged breathlessness may lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen supply to the tissues) and be problematic.

Other supportive (symptomatic) treatment for asbestosis includes removal of respiratory secretions from lungs by respiratory physiotherapy (by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration).

Medications may have to be administered in nebulized form for treating obstructions in the airways. Vaccination for pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza (annual) are recommended. If the patient is smoker it is highly advisable to stop smoking as they are at high risk of respiratory malignancies.

Periodic health check up is recommended. Patient should undergo periodic PFTs (pulmonary function tests), chest x-ray and cancer screening.

In many countries asbestosis is a reportable to concerned health authorities and can claim legal compensation.

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