Asbestosis Guide

Asbestosis is a progressive lung scarring disease caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing. There is no cure, but treatments help manage symptoms and limit additional damage to lung tissue.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Asbestos Exposure

As with all asbestos-related diseases, victims of asbestosis are usually exposed to asbestos at work. Job sites in many industries used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) before regulations limited the use of the mineral.

Asbestos was commonly used in brakes, pipes, floors, shingles, cement, and as insulation before the government began regulating its use.

By the time production and shipping of asbestos stopped, many victims had already been exposed to so much of the toxic set of minerals that their health was already in poor condition.

Causes of Asbestosis

When you breathe in asbestos, you run the risk of fine, odorless, and microscopic fibers getting lodged in your lungs. The fibers cause damage inside the body, leading to diseases like asbestosis. Prolonged asbestos exposure is the cause of asbestosis.

Although mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis closely resemble each other, they are different illnesses. Mesothelioma is a disease in which cancerous cells develop in the body (most typically, the lungs). Both result from asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis Prognosis

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), asbestosis can last a lifetime and can also be the cause of death.

Between 1999 and 2004, more than 3,000 people died from asbestosis in the U.S. Asbestosis severity depends upon how long a victim has been exposed to asbestos and how much many of the fibers were inhaled. Unfortunately, it can take decades for symptoms to show up, if at all.

If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek medical assistance immediately.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asbestosis

Again, some asbestosis victims may not experience many symptoms, and almost all victims have a long latency period between exposure and the first symptoms. The most common warning signs of asbestosis are:

• Chest tightness and pain
• Difficulty in breathing with shortness of breath
• An odd crackle-type sound when inhaling
• Appetite changes such as loss of appetite

Unfortunately, the warning signs of asbestosis mimic allergies, the common cold, and the flu. Many people put off a doctor’s visit because it doesn’t seem like a serious illness.

However, getting immediate medical treatment can help you battle the disease more effectively. It’s essential to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

To be diagnosed with asbestosis, a physician typically takes X-rays of the chest, along with performing a biopsy and a complete physical exam.

During the biopsy, a surgeon will remove a tiny portion of the lung tissues to search for asbestos fibers.

Treatment for Asbestosis

Although there is no cure for asbestosis, there are a variety of treatments available so that victims can still enjoy and prolong their lives.

In many instances, asbestosis and mesothelioma treatment options are similar. Depending on the severity of the disease, physicians may recommend several treatment options, including:

• Entire lung transplant,
• Oral and physical therapy
• Flu shots
• Aerosol medicine
• Physical and oral therapy, which could include exercises that help ease pain and remove mucous.

Living with Asbestosis

Aside from medical treatments, try these home care strategies to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet improves overall health, makes it easier to tolerate treatments, and improves quality of life.

A healthy diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting salt intake, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases Registry (ATSDR).

Additionally, unless specified otherwise by your physician, you should drink at least seven to eight glasses of water per day.

Adquate Sleep

Along with a proper diet, asbestosis victims should always get enough rest. ATSDR suggests getting at least eight hours of sleep per night and light naps to reduce your chances of getting too tired.

Staying Healthy

People living with asbestosis must also try to keep away from bacteria and germs. Wash your hands as much as possible and try not to be in large crowds too much, if possible.

In addition, stay indoors if pollution or smog is at a high point, and avoid getting too close to cleaning supplies that contain aerosol, gasoline fumes, and other irritants that can flare up your lungs.

Further, ATSDR recommends keeping a journal to track down your symptoms and things that may have triggered pain.

Pay close attention to breathing difficulties and how long each bout lasts. Be sure to share your information with your physician.

Asbestosis Lawsuits

In the early 1980s, the state of New Jersey experienced the first mass tort lawsuit after several victims and family members of deceased victims came forward to file wrongful death and personal injury claims.

This was the start of what would become standard in courts across the nation as more and more victims came forward.

The plaintiffs in these cases were all exposed to asbestos, particularly raw asbestos, which led to asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestosis cases have not been limited solely to the U.S. For example, in 1984, an Australian attorney helped over 300 workers fight for compensation after being exposed to asbestos at the Wittenoom mill.

Wittenoom is a national park in Western Australia, yet what was once a beautiful park is now known as a place of suffering after thousands were exposed to asbestos while mining in the area.

In another Australian lawsuit, several victims and family members came forward after being exposed to asbestos in the Latrobe Valley. The State Electricity Commission of Virginia (SECV) employed workers in their power stations.

During the construction of the power stations, employees were working daily while being subjected to large amounts of asbestos. As a result, a good portion of the workers was later diagnosed with asbestosis.

If you received a diagnosis of asbestosis, talk to an asbestos attorney. They can help you track down your past asbestos exposure and take legal action to seek compensation.

Getting Legal Help

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area.