Mesothelioma Information

Asbestosis is one of the more serious types of asbestos disease. Initially found in naval shipyard workers, asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes scarring of parenchymal lung tissue. Tissue scarring is not caused by the asbestos fibers themselves; rather, it is caused by the release of digestive molecules (macrophages) produced by the immune system in an effort to dissolve trapped asbestos fibers. Because of their strong chemical resistance, asbestos fibers are not affected by the macrophages; however, surrounding parenchymal tissue gets severely scarred. The inability of digestive molecules to dissolve the asbestos fibers results in the perpetual re-releasing of macrophages. This, in turn, leads to increased levels of parenchymal scarring.

The lungs are composed of delicate tissues responsible for the oxygenation of blood while carbon dioxide is removed and exhaled. The scarring of parenchymal lung tissue associated with asbestosis inhibits this process and limits total lung capacity (TLC). Although not directly fatal like mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis can potentially lead to congestive heart disease and death.

Asbestosis sufferers are at increased risk of developing a more serious type of asbestos disease like malignant mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer (smokers suffering from asbestosis are at an even greater risk of developing an asbestos cancer).

Asbestosis - Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptom associated with asbestosis is the onset of breathlessness associated with the lungs' decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Breathlessness is one of many asbestosis symptoms, some of which can include:

• Fatigue / malaise
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough (less common symptom)
• Congestive heart disease

An asbestosis diagnosis can typically be made through a detailed analysis of the chest using a CT scan, x-ray, MRI or other type of chest imagery scan. Although not necessary, histopathological examination of a section of lung tissue (preceded by a biopsy) can help to provide a definitive asbestosis diagnosis.

Treatment of Asbestosis

Like most other asbestos diseases, asbestosis has no curative treatment. Symptoms are often treated instead (palliation), most notably the disease's primary symptom; breathlessness. Oxygen therapy administered at home can relieve the strains associated with patients' shortness of breath. Treatments can also be used to loosen and remove mucous secretions from the lungs (postural drainage in conjunction with chest percussion is a commonly used technique). Additionally, medications can be used to thin secretion buildups and clear the peripheral airways.

Asbestosis - Legal Action

Asbestosis is linked with exposure to asbestos. Serious health hazards led to the regulation of asbestos in 1970 under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. Since that time, asbestos product manufacturers have been judged liable for asbestos-related injuries because their negligence is responsible for most asbestos exposure. Manufacturers were aware of the harmful effects of the commonly used mineral; however, rather than ensure the safety of their employees and warn them of the possible health hazards, they opted to remain silent, profiting at the expense of others.

Asbestosis sufferers are therefore eligible to file a claim against the liable parties responsible for their asbestos exposure. Asbestos lawyers, who specialize in the litigation of such claims, are adept at tracing an asbestos disease back to a source of exposure. They can help sufferers gain restitution designed to compensate for pain and suffering, medical bills and general loss of well-being.

Paul and Hanley, LLP

If you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, please contact Paul & Hanley LLP to discuss your legal options.