Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a form of diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lung. It is asbestos exposure related disease.

Pathology
It seems to be histologicaly like the other interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Occupational exposure

 * workers in the manufacture of asbestos products;
 * asbestos miners and millers;
 * construction traders;
 * power plant workers;
 * boilermakers;
 * shipyard workers;
 * firefighters.

Non-occupational exposure
Asbestos was used in walls of building. For example schools. Than teachers, which work in these buildings (many years–whole professional life) could be in danger too.

Symptoms

 * shortness of breath – first when walking, climbing stairs, than at rest (asbestosis is progressive disease)
 * cough

The most often complication is COPD.

Diagnostic

 * physical examination, lung function tests;
 * X–ray;
 * CT or MRI;
 * lung biopsy;
 * definitive diagnosis is based on microscopical examination of the biopsy by pathologist!