Progression of Asbestosis:
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that is mined. The fibers can be worked into materials like cement, insulation, and even clothing. Because it is fire resistant, asbestos was often used in building materials and clothing in the U.S. until the 1980's.Unfortunately, people exposed to asbestos during the mining and manufacturing of asbestos products can develop chronic lung diseases such as:
- Mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs
- Lung cancer
- Pleural disease, a non-cancerous condition that causes changes in the lining of the lungs
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis may not be as well-known as mesothelioma, but it is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Once lodged in the lungs, asbestos fibers are impossible to remove and cause scarring on the lungs. This scarring leads to shortness of breath and other chronic respiratory issues. Like mesothelioma, the symptoms of asbestosis may not appear until 30 – 40 years after exposure.Symptoms include:
- A persistent, dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Chest pain or tightness
Progression of Asbestosis
When you are exposed to asbestos dust over a long period of time, the asbestos fibers in the air can be inhaled and lodged in your lungs. The asbestos becomes trapped in the alveoli, the tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. These asbestos fibers irritate the lungs and cause scarring, causing the lungs causes to become less flexible and more rigid.As asbestosis progresses, more and more scar tissue develops in the lung, the lungs become more rigid, impairing lung function and making it difficult to breathe. Eventually the lung tissue can no longer expand and contract normally.Smoking also seems to increase retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, causing asbestosis to progress more rapidly. If you have asbestosis, you have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if you continue to smoke.If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with asbestosis as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation and assistance. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO, or contact us here.
