How to be more Comfortable When You Have Asbestosis:
We’ve all heard of the dangers of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, but exposure to asbestos can also cause other health problems. While asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, its once widespread use in construction materials and clothing means that people are often exposed when asbestos is inadvertently dislodged and released into the air or water. Asbestos can cause serious damage to the human body when ingested or inhaled, including cancer and respiratory problems.When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they lodge in the body’s tissues, including the lungs and digestive system. Once in the lungs, asbestos is there for good, causing irritation and scarring to delicate lung tissue and making it more difficult for the scar-ridden lung tissue to expand and contract. This leads to decreased lung capacity and a condition called asbestosis. Asbestosis can cause difficulty breathing and a decreased quality of life and may eventually lead to mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs or abdomen.Asbestosis symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent dry cough, loss of appetite or weight loss, clubbing or roundness of the fingers and toes, and chest pain or discomfort. While there is no cure for asbestosis, some treatment can make living with the disease more comfortable:
- Stop smoking. If you are living with asbestosis, it’s important to stop smoking to help ease your breathing and maintain lung health.
- Prevent infections. While living with asbestosis, it’s easier to get sick. So, be sure to get a flu and pneumonia vaccine, wash your hands, and avoid crowds. While they can’t treat asbestosis, vaccines can help prevent illnesses that could further impair your lung health and breathing capacity.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, an exercise program designed to help patients with chronic lung conditions, may be helpful.
- With low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen may be helpful.
- Stay as active as you can and exercise regularly.
- Get enough rest. Be sure to get plenty of sleep at night and take breaks throughout the day.
- Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, limit your salt intake, and maintain a balanced diet.
While there is no cure for asbestosis, these tips can help you stay comfortable and as healthy as possible while you are living with the disease.If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376), or contact us here. We have decades of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases.
