Asbestosis Diagnosis

Asbestosis is a disorder of the lung caused due to exposure to asbestos for a long time. Asbestos is a mineral that is used in making a variety of objects, mostly fireproof objects. The asbestos particles are super fine and can be easily inhaled when exposed to it. Asbestosis, if not diagnosed and treated for a long time, can lead to lung cancer which is irreversible. Therefore, diagnosis plays a crucial role in the treatment.

Asbestosis Causes and Symptoms

Long term asbestos exposure leads to asbestosis. The condition is caused if the person is constantly exposed to asbestos or inhales the particles of asbestos for more than 10-15 years. People working in industries that use asbestos as a raw material or those working in fireproof material factories are at a high risk of suffering from asbestosis. On the other hand, if the air of a particular area is polluted with asbestos and people inhale it, they may suffer from asbestosis. When a person inhales these particles of asbestos, they get stuck in the inner lining of the lungs which causes breathing difficulties.

Asbestosis symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, etc. Weight loss, brittle fingers, nausea and breathing difficulties are also some of the other symptoms of this condition. A person suffering from this condition is at a high risk of suffering from lung cancer and mesothelioma asbestosis.

Tests and Diagnosis

As this disorder can have severe complications, its diagnosis needs to be done accurately. As the signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure are commonly found in a variety of other lung and respiratory disorders, it is difficult to identify the condition initially. However, if a person observes any of these symptoms, he should consult the doctor immediately. On the other hand, there are several machines and techniques that help in the diagnosis of this condition. The X-ray, CT scan and MRI are the most effective and widely used techniques for asbestosis diagnosis. Secondly, tests like pulmonary function test, brochoscopy, etc. are also used for the diagnosis of asbestos poisoning. Lastly, another instrument, Spirometer is used to check the capacity of lungs and which helps in diagnosis of the disorders associated with lungs.

Asbestosis Treatment

The aim of asbestosis treatment is to treat the symptoms and prevent the condition from being life-threatening. Several medications like antibiotics and bronchodilators are used to reduce the severity of the symptoms and treat them. Secondly, pain killers may also be prescribed to ease the pain and fatigue caused due to the condition. One of the most important treatment methods used in treating asbestosis is oxygen therapy. This therapy is mostly used in severe cases and is used to make breathing easier. Along with the treatment, the doctor will also advise the person to stop smoking in order to prevent the lungs from getting further damaged. Similarly, exposure to asbestos should also be stopped immediately.

As a concluding note, one should remember that although the diagnosis and treatment of asbestosis takes place at an early stage, the lung damage caused due to the condition cannot be reversed. One should only try to prevent further damage to sustain life. Take care!