Asbestos Sickness
Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause lung damage, such as asbestosis or a condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD https//personalmedicalalarmscomau/gps-locator/ Some people with asbestosis are also at risk of developing cancer The risk of developing cancer depends on how long you were exposed to asbestos, the amount of exposure, and whether you smoke
Asbestos-related diseases typically develop after long periods of consistent exposure to asbestos This is especially true for those who worked in areas with high levels of airborne asbestos, or lived and worked in a building that was built before 2000
Breathing in the tiny asbestos fibers can irritate the tissues of the lungs and lead to scar tissue forming This scar tissue does not expand and contract normally, which makes breathing harder https//personalmedicalalarmscomau/fall-detection-alarms/ Asbestosis can progress to other asbestos-related conditions, such as mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin lining around the lungs or abdominal cavity
Pleural plaques are chalky, calcium-based buildups that often occur after asbestos exposure These plaques are usually not serious, but they can make it difficult to breathe because they can clog the lungs
Symptoms of Asbestosis
A health care provider can listen to your chest with a stethoscope to see if you hear crackling noises called rales A chest x-ray or CT scan can also help your doctor diagnose asbestosis
Lung Infections
Asbestos-related diseases can increase your risk of getting a lung infection, such as pneumonia or the flu Your doctor may recommend a vaccine to protect your lungs against these infections