The name of the disease asbestosis has come from the word asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral made of fibers and are often used around pipes, tanks and in other building materials. But recent researches have shown that this can cause great damage to our health and result in the disease named Asbestosis. It has been proved that the blue, brown and white colored asbestos have more harmful effects than the other types. On studying the adverse effects of the brown and blue colored asbestos governments of most of the countries have decided to ban this form of asbestos.

Causes of Asbestosis

Asbestos does not cause any harm as long as it is in a good condition. But when it gets damaged the fine fiber becomes air borne and are inhaled by the people resulting the disease Asbestosis. When this fine fiber enters into our lungs it causes inflammation which is at times intense.

When the body realizes the problems on the entrance of these fine fibers it sends the white blood cells to defend the body by engulfing and attacking these fibers. But these fibers are so harmful that it even destroys and destructs the white blood cells and cause severe effects in asbestosis.

Although no safe levels are in the exposure of asbestos has still been known but it is assumed that exposure to asbestos for longer period of time may increase the chance of being affected by the disease Asbestosis.

Asbestosis Symptoms

In the early stage of Asbestosis there may not be any remarkable symptoms. The development of this disease is quite slow and so the symptoms also appear much later. In some cases the symptoms of this disease are seen after twenty-five or in some cases forty years later. The main symptoms of this disease are the breathing problem. In an earlier stage the breathing difficulty may result due to any exertion but later as the disease becomes more serious one can experience this difficulty also during rest.

The fine fiber of asbestos results in the thickening of the membrane that outlines the lung. This membrane is known as pleura. This thickening and widespread of the membrane of the lungs hinders in the proper functioning of the lungs thus resulting in breathing problems.

Apart from breathing trouble other symptoms of this disease also includes chest pain, cough, chest tightness and fatigue. However coughing is not an obvious symptom unless and until people already suffer from some other respiratory disease.

Asbestosis Types

Asbestosis is mainly of three types. Mesothelioma is one type of asbestosis that is also caused by inhaling the fine fibers of asbestos. It can occur in pleura which can result in the breathing problem and chest pain. Peritoneum is another type where a thin lining around the abdominal wall is formed. This results in the obstruction in the passage of intestine. Another important type of this disease is fibrosis. In this type a scar is left on the lungs resulting in many bad effects.

Asbestosis Treatment

Although asbestosis is not curable but one can prevent this disease by avoiding prolonged exposure to asbestos.

In some cases people use medicines to lessen the effects and prevent the symptoms of this disease. Some also take medicines to deal with their breathing problems. In some severe cases people are also provided with oxygen mask.

Advice

People suffering from this disease can go for oxygen therapy at home as it gives much relief in breathing problem. Sometimes respiratory physiotherapy also helps to deal with the symptoms of asbestosis.