Asbestosis Signs And Symptoms

Asbestosis Poisoning Symptoms

Are there early signs of asbestosis? Typically, there are no early signs of asbestosis. Asbestosis signs and symptoms take a long time to develop. Most asbestosis sufferers are unaware of any signs for at least 10 years after their first asbestosis exposure. Often, an asbestosis diagnosis doesn't take place until 20 or even 30 years.

Individuals who work in certain industries are more likely than others to experience asbestos poisoning. These industries often include the "construction and destruction" trades. In other words, asbestos poisoning tend appear in people who build things, and people who tear things down. It is especially important to take stringent precautions when tearing out insulation in an old building. Many structures were built before the 1970s when laws were passed regulating asbestos use.

Asbestosis signs and symptoms develop because fibers get into the lungs. Normally the respiratory system either filters out microorganisms and foreign particles, or the immune system destroys them. This is not the case with asbestos.

In fact, in trying to destroy asbestos fibers, the immune system itself produces a substance that scars the lungs without neutralizing the fibers.

Over a period of years, this scarring process causes the signs and symptoms of asbestosis lung disease.

Be aware of these signs and symptoms of asbestosis Asbestosis symptoms are often similar to other lung disorders. But they develop in a different way. As mentioned above, there are no early signs because the disease has usually been in progress for a long time before you notice symptoms.

Sometimes, asbestosis signs and symptoms are mild, sometimes they are severe.

Tissue damage and scarring from asbestosis poisoning eventually makes much of the lungs so stiff they can't expand and contract the way healthy lungs do.

This causes the earliest sign of asbestosis, which is shortness of breath. In the beginning, it occurs only with exertion. But after a while, it even happens while you're resting.

Along with shortness of breath, you can no longer tolerate exercise of physical activity.

A dry cough is another typical symptom of asbestos poisoning. It is the type of cough that is often mistaken for a smokers cough.

Chest pain is common. Anytime you have chest pain, you should see a doctor. But once angina (chest pain from heart disease) has been ruled out, and a chronic cough continues, it could indicate asbestos poisoning.

Some individuals will experience finger deformity or clubbing. Over a period of time, the fingers become flattened and rounded at the finger tips.

When to seek a diagnosis for asbestosis It's important to watch for these symptoms if you know you've been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time as part of your job.

If you are diagnosed with asbestosis, your doctor can suggest ways to relieve your symptoms. For more information, click on asbestosis treatment and prevention.

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