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Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. This pulmonary disease develops when microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled. An individual’s immune cells are unable to digest and dispose of the fibers so they become lodged in the lungs causing the development of scar tissue. The scar tissue makes it hard to breathe and causes a serious cough.
Asbestosis is often misdiagnosed as other lung diseases because many of the symptoms mimic those of other lung conditions and may not present for years after asbestos exposure. Some common symptoms may include:
Like lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestosis is best treated when diagnosed early. Because most sufferers have developed the lung disease as a result of occupational exposure to asbestos, it is important to be tested if you have regularly come in contact with asbestos at work . Visit a doctor and request a chest X-Ray which can detect asbestosis even before symptoms present.
The severity of the disease largely depends on the length and duration of the exposure to asbestos fibers, and like mesothelioma, there is no known cure for asbestosis. Current treatments focus on symptom relief and slowing the progression of the disease. The lungs of an asbestosis patient become weak and often times cannot fight off common illnesses such as pneumonia and the flu. Sufferers can maintain their health by taking preventative measures such as avoiding crowds and limiting their exposure to other illnesses. Individuals with asbestosis who quit smoking reduce the risk of future complications.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness, it is important to speak with a member of the legal team at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown and Sandler in Philadelphia. Our New Jersey and Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys have been protecting the rights of asbestos victims for almost 30 years. We will evaluate your case and fight to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today at 1-800-369-0899 or contact us online.