Asbestosis: Another deadly disease caused by asbestos

When people hear about how deadly exposure to asbestos can be, they often immediately think of mesothelioma. But asbestos can be the cause of many different conditions that may be less well-known, including asbestosis.

In this post, we will take a closer look at asbestosis and what causes it, what it is and what treatments are available for victims of this devastating condition.

Asbestosis is caused by the damage asbestos fibers can do to a person’s lungs when they are inhaled. Like other illnesses caused by exposure, asbestosis symptoms may not show up for more than a decade. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, chronic cough, significant weight loss, tightness in the chest and clubbing of fingers and toes.

In order to diagnose asbestosis, patients will need to see a doctor to have tests completed, from X-rays to physical exams to CT scans. Depending on the results of these tests and information from a patient’s work history, a doctor may diagnose a person with asbestosis.

Unfortunately, there is no way to undo the damage caused by asbestosis or cure the disease. Instead, treatment options aim to ease the painful symptoms and prevent the condition from quickly getting worse. There are numerous treatment options available that can help people, but every person is different and finding the best course of treatment depends on the details of each individual case.

Asbestosis is a very serious illness that can be very difficult to treat. Patients often require intensive care, surgery, ongoing doctor visits and medication that can prove to be costly.

Victims of asbestosis should know that they do not have to take on this devastating situation alone. There is legal support available that can help victims understand their rights. In many cases, it is possible to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation that can cover medical bills and damages so that people can focus on their health and getting the treatment they need.