NORTHERN RESPIRATORY SPECIALIST P.C
Phone: 845-621-LUNG : 914-736-7708 Fax: 845-621-2046 EMail:Northernrespiratory@worldnet.att.net
What does the inhalation of asbestos actually do to the lungs?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. The brittle, smooth-surfaced fibers are tiny and can be inhaled deeply into the lung. Because of their physical makeup, these fibers , once inhaled can migrate easily through the lung , invading not only the air sacs but also the surrounding lung tissue. Our bodies have a built in defense system that becomes activated when a foreign substance enters the body. The main goal of the defense system is to capture, confine or destroy the invading substance. In order to do this, certain chemicals are released. Some of these chemicals give off enzymes which may act to damage the tissue. These reactions may cause pulmonary fibrotic lesions. These lesions replace healthy lung tissue which leads to a decrease in the amount of normal functioning tissue and can cause a "stiffening" or non-compliant air space. These changes are what cause the clinical picture of decreased exercise tolerance with increased shortness of breath. On xray examination, these changes have a classical appearance that the doctor’s looks for to aid him in making the diagnosis of asbestosis.
What other complications can occur due to asbestos exposure?
Persons with asbestosis may develop pleural effusions, or a collection of fluid around the lung. These effusions may resolve spontaneously or may need to be treated.
Lung cancer can be associated with heavy asbestos exposure. Persons with more exposure are at greater risk of disease. In addition, there is strong evidence to show that persons who are smokers and who have asbestos exposure have a greatly increased risk of developing lung cancer than either smoking or asbestos exposure alone can cause. There is also another type of cancer called mesothelioma, that is associated with asbestos exposure. This particular tumor does not appear to be related to smoking and may occur in individuals with relatively short exposure (1-2 years or less).
Are only the people that work directly with asbestos at risk of developing lung problems?
It has been noted that exposure to asbestos is not limited to the person working directly with the material. There have been documented cases that have shown up in people with only moderate exposure, such as a painter or electrician working alongside the insulation worker or the homemaker who shakes out and washes the work clothes. Community exposure has probably occurred from the use of asbestos containing materials sprayed on steel girders to prevent buckling in a fire, the manufacturing of brake linings and pipe and boiler insulation.
How is asbestosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of asbestosis can be determined by four key elements:
2 Clinical symptoms of decreased exercise tolerance and exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath) sometimes accompanied by chronic cough, wheezing or increased sputum
3. Chest x-ray which reveals a classic pattern caused by the fibrotic areas
4. Pulmonary function tests which show a specific decrease in one particular aspect of the test known as diffusion capacity
Is there any specific treatment available for asbestosis?
There is no specific therapy for the management of asbestosis. Supportive care is available to try and minimize the symptoms and provide comfort. Smoking cessation is critical to reduce one risk of further complications of lung cancer. Avoidance of further exposure is also recommended
Call 845-621-2211or 914-736-7708 for a complete evaluation