Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a form of interstitial fibrosis of the lung. It is an asbestos exposure related disease. Asbestosis is a type of pneumoconiosis.

Pathology
After asbestos fibers are inhaled into the alveoli, the fibers provoke the immune cells in lungs and cause inflammatory reaction. A part of this reaction is fibrogenesis in the interstitial space. It seems to be histologicaly similar to the other interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, but it also contains ferruginous bodies.

Patient history
Asbestosis depends on the exposure time. The disease is progressive and long involved. It can be found 20 years after exposure, when the symptoms become clear. It is very important to find out patient's exposure possibilities:

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 building walls, for example in schools. Teachers who work in these buildings their entire professional lives could be in danger as well.

Symptoms

 * shortness of breath – first when walking, climbing stairs, than at rest (asbestosis is a progressive disease);
 * cough ;
 * low blood oxygen level.

The most common complication is COPD, respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale.

Diagnosis

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

Therapy
There is only supportive therapy of progressive respiratory failure:
 * treatment of COPD (bronchodilatans, corticosteroids...);
 * oxygenotherapy;
 * and finally lung transplantation.

Related articles

 * Asbestos