Asbestosis Lawyer

Lung cancer is probably the most well known of all asbestos related diseases, but there are other health complications that can arise from exposure to this fibrous mineral. By knowing the symptoms of these ailments, they can be treated at an early stage.

Asbestosis

Asbestos enters the body as very small fibers. These fibers attach themselves to the lungs and cause scarring. This will eventually lead to asbestosis.

The symptoms are coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. In addition, the ailment can lead to other potentially fatal complications. Scar tissue can cut blood flow, leading to high blood pressure at the lungs. If left untreated this could result in heart failure. Asbestosis has no cure but the symptoms can be alleviated.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that starts in the lungs’ protective lining (pleural mesothelioma). Sometimes it begins at the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). If it starts at the lungs, the symptoms will be chest pain, lower back pain and shortness of breath.

Fatigue and coughing may be experienced too. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms will include limited bowel function, swelling, vomiting and nausea. Weight loss is often experienced.

Lung Cancer

This asbestos related disease has symptoms akin to pleural mesothelioma. Because the symptoms are so general, people usually mistake them for other diseases. People who are exposed to asbestos and smoke cigarettes increase their chances of developing lung cancer by 90%.

Some symptoms are shared by asbestos related ailments. These include aching joints and weight loss. If the disease is in the advanced stage, the skin will have a bluish hue. The fingernails and toenails will start to turn into the skin.

Cures and Treatments

Medications and procedures include getting blood thinners to stop blood clots. Oxygen may be given to help in breathing. Other treatments include draining fluid in the lungs or get a lung transplant. Lung cancer is treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. Diagnostic methods include CT scans and X-rays.

There are other treatments; the attending doctor will determine what procedure will be used. Most of the treatments available are for relieving the symptoms and slowing the advancement of the disease.

How to Protect Yourself from Asbestosis

Companies now require workers to wear safety gear when dealing with asbestosis filled material. Make sure you are wearing the protective gear as directed. Keep in mind that you are not only protecting yourself, but also potentially your family.

Always pay attention to the safety procedures in the workplace. Workers who are particularly susceptible are those involved in heating, construction, shipyard building and asbestos miners.

You should also have extra clothes in case the one you’re wearing gets some asbestos. Replace clothing that has had asbestos on it immediately. Do not let any family members touch the asbestos laden clothing. If you will do the washing yourself, put on protective gloves.

It should be noted that asbestos related diseases may take years or even decades to appear. However there are also cases wherein symptoms appear very quickly. Consult a doctor the moment you experience any of these symptoms.

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