What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a very specific condition that refers to fibrosis of the lungs caused from breathing in asbestos fibres over many years. The term asbestosis is often misused to describe almost any asbestos related condition which can be confusing.
It is usually individuals who have had significant exposure to asbestos, over several years, who go on to develop asbestosis. The effects normally appear 20 years or more after exposure. It can cause breathlessness and may become more severe over time.
Symptoms of asbestosis:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Pain in the chest or shoulder
- In more advanced cases, swollen fingertips
Complications of asbestosis:
People with asbestosis also have a higher risk of developing other serious conditions, such as:
- pleural thickening
- mesothelioma
- lung cancer
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