Asbestosis
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a long-term lung condition that develops because of exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a general name for a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. In the past, it was widely used as a building material.
Asbestos can be very dangerous. It does not pose a health risk as long as it is left undisturbed. But if material containing asbestos is chipped, drilled, broken, or allowed to deteriorate, it can release a fine dust containing asbestos fibres.
When this dust is breathed in, the asbestos fibres settle in the lungs and can damage them over time. However, exposure is not the only factor at play, since many people who have faced heavy exposure never go on to develop asbestosis.
Jobs linked with asbestos exposure
The use of asbestos was at its highest during the 1970s, before gradually declining through the 1980s and 1990s. If you worked in an industry that used asbestos during this period, you may have been exposed.
Jobs particularly linked with asbestos exposure include:
- insulation workers
- boilermakers
- plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
- shipyard workers
- sheet metal workers
- plasterers
- chemical technicians
- heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
Today, the greatest risk comes from jobs where you might disturb asbestos in older buildings, such as caretakers, electricians and demolition workers.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Talk to your GP if you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you have any of the following:
- shortness of breath, which at first may show up only after physical activity but can become more constant over time
- a cough that does not go away
- wheezing
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- chest pain
- swollen, clubbed fingertips
Diagnosis
Your GP may ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope (if asbestos has affected your lungs, they usually make a crackling sound as you breathe in), ask about your work history and whether you may have been exposed to asbestos, and arrange a chest X-ray.
If asbestosis is suspected, you'll be referred to a lung specialist for tests to confirm whether there's any scarring in your lungs. These may include a CT (computerised tomography) scan and lung function tests.
The specialist will also weigh up other possible causes of lung inflammation and scarring, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and interstitial lung disease linked to connective tissue disease.
Treatment
Treatment for asbestosis
There is no cure for asbestosis once it has developed. It’s not possible to reverse the damage to the lungs.
Sometimes, depending on the pattern of scarring seen in the lungs, you may be considered for AntiFibrotic therapy to reduce progression of your lung condition.
Pulmonary rehabilitation may be recommended.
There are things you can do to help your symptoms.
Stop smoking
If you’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis and you smoke, you should stop as soon as possible.
Smoking can make breathlessness worse. It can also significantly increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
Speak to your GP for help with giving up smoking.
You can also phone Quit Your Way Scotland on 0800 84 84 84 to get more help and advice about quitting smoking.
Read more about stopping smoking.
Long-term oxygen therapy
If you have severe asbestosis, your body may not be getting enough oxygen. Oxygen therapy may be recommended if you have low levels of oxygen in your blood.
Compensation
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or other asbestos related lung conditions, you have 3 years from your diagnosis to claim compensation. This can be done through:
- industrial injuries disablement benefit – a weekly benefit that may be paid to people with asbestosis who were exposed to asbestos while in employment (but not self-employed)
- a civil claim for compensation through the courts – you’ll need to obtain legal advice about how to do this
- a claim for a lump compensation sum under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 – if you have asbestosis, or you’re the dependent of someone who has died from the condition, and you haven’t been able to get compensation through the courts because the employer has ceased trading
Read more about industrial injuries disablement benefit on the GOV.UK website.
Prevention
Vaccinations
If you have asbestosis, your lungs will be more vulnerable to infection.
It’s recommended that you have the flu vaccine every year to protect against flu. You should also have the pneumococcal vaccine.
How to prevent asbestosis
Large amounts of asbestos are still found in many older buildings. You should take precautions if you live or work in a building that may contain asbestos.
If you think your house may contain asbestos, contact an environmental health officer at your local council. Do not attempt to remove any materials that you think may contain asbestos yourself.
If your job means you could be exposed to asbestos fibres, make sure you are fully aware of how to reduce your risk. Do not attempt to remove any asbestos you come across, unless you have been trained in how to do this safely.
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