Asbestosis Mesothelioma - How It Occurs And How To Cope With It 65

Asbestosis mesothelioma is a disease affecting the parenchyma tissue of the lungs. It is an occupational lung disease just like mesothelioma cancer as long term heavy exposure to asbestos particles alone causes it. The parenchymal tissues would remain permanently sore and irritable resulting in dyspnea or shortness of breath and increased chances of contracting lung cancer. Due to over-exposure to asbestos, plaque would form above the diaphragm, which can be detected in X-ray tests.

The initial symptom of asbestosis mesothelioma is breathing difficulties and seriously affected persons may witness total respiratory failure. The disease usually does not show up before ten years after asbestos exposure. But there are documented cases where the ailment became visible after just three months. There are two types of asbestos particles, namely, amphibole, which are thin and straight, and serpentine, which is curved. It is the former that creates asbestosis because it can penetrate deep into the lungs through inhalation and scar lung tissues around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

The air sacs of alveoli are the place where oxygen is routed into the blood. Once the fibers reach there, they prompt the lung's innate immune system into getting swollen in order to discard the foreign body. Macrophages are released by the body to get the trespasser digested. But the problem lies in the fact that asbestos being indigestible, the macrophages die resulting in the release of cytokines. The consequence will be further release of macrophages. This extra accrual results in thickening of alveolar walls thereby decreasing elasticity and transmission of gas. Thus oxygen transfer into the blood is obstructed.

Those who are seriously affected by asbestosis mesothelioma may suffer from clubbing of fingers and inspiratory crackles. The disease may not be posing threat to life, but it can result in serious medical conditions like heart failure. Development of plaque in the chest and lung cavities is found in almost half of the patients.

Successful treatment is not available for asbestosis mesothelioma presently. But breathing problems can be alleviated by regular oxygen therapy administered at home. Respiratory physiotherapy, chest percussion, vibration and nebulization are other supportive treatments available for diluting secretions that are responsible for shortness of breath. Asbestosis mesothelioma patients can also claim compensation from their errant employers.