Living with Asbestosis:
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. This disease can lead to decreased lung capacity, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of developing lung cancer. While a diagnosis of asbestosis can seem overwhelming, in this article we’ll discuss steps you can take to learn to cope psychologically with your diagnosis.
How Does Asbestosis Develop?
Asbestos is a mineral that can be pulled into thread-like fibers. Because of its fire and heat-resistant qualities, asbestos was once used in many building materials and fire-resistant clothing. Unfortunately, when asbestos is disturbed, fibers can be released into the air or water where they can be inhaled or ingested by people. Inhaled asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs where they cause permanent scarring to lung tissue and decrease lung capacity.While symptoms may not appear for years, this scarring can lead to asbestosis or mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Asbestosis can lead to shortness of breath, a dry persistent cough, a loss of appetite, chest tightness or chest pain, and clubbed fingers that appear rounder and wider than usual. If you have asbestosis you are at higher risk for developing lung cancer, especially if you smoke or have smoked in the past.
Coping with Asbestosis
Once you’ve received your diagnosis and heard about future health risks, it is normal to feel frightened and overwhelmed. But there are steps you can take to live with the diagnosis.
- Stay Informed
Talk to your doctor and learn all that you can about asbestosis, its treatment, your prognosis, and how you can stay as healthy as possible. Knowing exactly what you may face physically, the progression of asbestosis, and steps you can take to decrease future health risks can help you stay as fit as possible. Once you understand what you are facing, your diagnosis may not feel so overwhelming.
- Stay as Healthy as Possible
It’s important to stay as healthy as you can physically, including staying as active as you can, eating well, getting enough sleep, and keeping up with your medical appointments and treatments. Taking responsibility for what you
can
control will help you feel more in charge of your medical outcome and your life.
- Seek Support
Finally, you shouldn’t try to cope alone. Talk to your friends and family and ask them for help. Your house of worship and faith can also provide support and care. You can also seek support groups and counselors who understand what you are going through. Your medical team can also make recommendations for groups and counseling resources.If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with asbestosis or another 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.
