Asbestos Related Disease
Asbestos related disease is caused when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs. Since asbestos fibers are tiny, they become embedded in the protective lining of the lungs (mesothelial cells) which can cause varying degrees of irritation and disease. When the fibers become embedded in the lungs, they remain there for a very long time. After some time, this leads to irritation, scarring, and inflammation of the lung tissue. This can lead to an asbestos related disease, breathing conditions, and serious other health-related issues.
Asbestosis
Absestosis a non-cancerous asbestos related disease that is caused by long term exposure to asbestos. Long-term exposure could be due to working with asbestos (i.e. mining), family members being exposed to the asbestos on the clothing of workers, and people that lived nearby asbestos mining. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory condition which scars the tissues of the lungs. The main symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath and can lead to varying types of lung cancer. Asbestosis can also lead to respiratory failure. Asbestos related disease symptoms usually don’t arise until 5-10 years after exposure.
Mesothelioma
A more serious but rare asbestos related disease is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that can affect different parts of the body but it mainly affects the lining of lungs. Mesothelial cells line many organs throughout the body but since asbestos fibers are inhaled and become embedded in the lungs, this is the tissue they damage.
Other Asbestos Related Diseases
Other asbestos related diseases include warts, pleural plaques, and diffuse pleural thickening. Asbestosis warts are caused when the fibers get stuck under the skin. These are non-life-threatening. Pleural plaques well demarcated and often calcified are also non-life-threatening and do not cause any other impairment to the lungs. Diffuse pleural thickening will cause impairment to the losses if there is long-term exposure.
Not all asbestos related disease is deadly but is you have any symptoms at all, it is advisable that you visit your doctor immediately.
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