Asbestos symptoms in adults

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Asbestos symptoms in adults

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious long-term lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a whitish material used in buildings for insulation, floors and roofs in the past, but is now no longer used.

Although asbestos can be dangerous, asbestos does not pose a health risk if left uninterrupted. But if the material containing asbestos is damaged, it can remove fine dust containing asbestos fibers.

When dust is exhaled, asbestos fibers enter the lungs and can gradually damage them from time to time.

But you will need exposure to asbestos fiber for a long time, usually for years, before you suffer from asbestosis.

how is asbestos used?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s. Its use increased rapidly during World War II (3, 4). Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industries have used it to strengthen cement and plastic as well as for insulation, roofing, fire resistance and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to isolate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos on brake shoes and vehicle clutch bearings. Asbestos has also been used on ceilings and floor tiles; paints, coatings and adhesives; and plastic. In addition, asbestos has been found in garden products containing vermiculite and some crayons containing talc.

Am I at risk?

You may be exposed to asbestos if you work in industries such as buildings or construction, especially in the 1970s and 90s.

Now asbestos is no longer being used, those most at risk of developing asbestos include people whose jobs risk damaging any remaining asbestos in old buildings, such as electricity and demolition workers.

For more information about who can be at risk, read the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): am I at risk?

Asbestosis symptoms

Inhaling asbestos fiber for years eventually causes lung scarring.

These symptoms can include:

-              hard to breathe

- coughing continuously

- wheezing

- extreme fatigue (fatigue)

- pain in your chest or shoulder

- in further cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips

- When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you have the above symptoms and think you might be exposed to asbestos.

Your general practitioner will listen to your lungs and ask about your work history.

They may refer you to a lung disease specialist for further tests if suspected of asbestosis.

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Tests can include:

- chest X-rays

- CT scan of the lungs

- lung function tests to see how well your lungs are working

Treatment for asbestosis

There is no cure for asbestosis after it develops, because it is not possible to reverse damage to the lungs.

But there are some treatments that can help, such as:

pulmonary rehabilitation - program training sessions, discussions and suggestions to help you manage your symptoms

oxygen therapy - breathing oxygen-rich air from a machine or tank to help increase shortness of breath if your blood oxygen level is low

Also important for you:

stop smoking if you smoke - symptoms can be worse in those who smoke, and smoking increases the risk of lung cancer

see your doctor for a flu shot and pneumococcal vaccination - your lungs will be more susceptible to infections such as flu and pneumonia

Complications of asbestosis

People with asbestosis also have a higher risk of developing other serious conditions, such as:

pleural disease - thickening of the lining that covers the lungs (pleura)

mesothelioma - cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, stomach, heart or testes

lung cancer

Am I entitled to compensation?

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you may be able to claim compensation through:

benefits of industrial injury disability

civil claims for compensation against previous employers

claims for government compensation based on Pneumoconiosis etc. (Worker Compensation) 1979

Read more about the benefits of disability due to industrial injuries on the GOV.UK website. You can also get advice about benefits and compensation on the British Lung Foundation website.

Support for people living with asbestosis

Asbestosis can have a big impact on your life, but support is available to help you live as freely as possible and have the best quality of life.

It might help to talk to other people who have the same conditions, or connect with charities.

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5 Asbestos Poisoning Warning Signs

Asbestos was officially banned in Britain in 1999, but it is still a serious risk to our health. As building materials used for insulation, floors and roofs, asbestos is often present in older buildings and warehouses. If asbestos is exposed and small fibers are inhaled, they can remain in your lungs for long periods of time and can cause fear and inflammation. This can cause directly related medical conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

It is often difficult to identify whether a business or workplace is at risk of asbestos because the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often do not manifest for several years, or even decades. This is why it is important for British businesses to seek help from registered OSHCR consultants who specialize in asbestos to protect employees from potentially life-threatening conditions.

Here are 5 warning signs that you may show signs of asbestos-related diseases:

Shortness of breath

If you have inhaled asbestos fibers, they can cause scar tissue to form in your lungs known as asbestosis. This scar tissue can make breathing difficult and shortness of breath can be one of the first signs of asbestos-related diseases.

swollen fingertips

The sign of asbestosis is a swollen fingertip, in about half of the cases. Also known as clubbing, swelling at the fingertips, when the fingertips appear wider and rounder, are a common symptom of this type of condition related to asbestos.

Fatigue

Extreme fatigue can be a sign of asbestos-related conditions and when combined with other common symptoms, such as shortness of breath and swollen fingertips, can be an indication of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Wheezing

Wheezing is caused by inflammation in the lungs and often causes whistling, especially when taking a deep breath. In asbestos-related conditions, for those who do not smoke, wheezing can be a cause of concern and may indicate that you have been exposed to asbestos.

Persistent Dry Cough

Because the effects of asbestos can remain undetected for years after exposure, persistent coughing can be an indication of possible asbestos-related conditions. Even 40 years after initial contact, patients can experience persistent cough due to the formation of scar tissue in the lungs over time.

In the UK, the most at risk workers are those in shipyards, those who work with airplanes and cars, miners, building construction companies, electricians and railroad workers; However, asbestos can also be present in office buildings and warehouses, or public buildings or housing built before the 1980s.

If you believe that your business or workplace might be at risk of asbestos, find an OSHCR registered consultant now.