Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Asbestos

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that can entail chronic bronchitis, emphysema or a combination of the two. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD. Although not all smokers will get COPD, the risk of developing this disease is much higher in people who frequently smoke. The disease can also be caused by repeated exposure to gases, fumes, toxic dust (potentially asbestos dust) or other environmental pollution.

Typically, COPD develops slowly over time, and symptoms such as cough, increased mucus production, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and wheezing gradually worsen as the illness progresses. COPD affects the lungs’ elasticity, which makes it difficult for a patient to exhale properly and release carbon dioxide. Complications include high blood pressure, heart attack and a higher risk of respiratory infections.

Correlation Between Asbestos and COPD

COPD can be triggered by the inhalation of foreign fumes or substances. Often, these irritants are inhaled at the patient’s workplace. Because asbestos was widely used at many industrial jobsites, COPD patients may have inhaled these fibers among others that contributed to their condition. Asbestos has not been directly linked to COPD, but asbestos exposure may be one of the factors that contribute to the development of the condition. Lungs that have been weakened by COPD may be much more susceptible to additional lung damage caused by asbestos. Additionally, pre-existing cases of COPD may be exacerbated by asbestos exposure.

Various scientific studies have reported a statistically significant incidence of COPD among those exposed to toxic materials such as asbestos and silica. A Swedish study of 316,729 male construction workers found the mortality rate from COPD was more than two and a half times higher in participants who had been exposed to airborne toxins, including asbestos, than in patients who had not been exposed to occupational dust. Exposure to inorganic dust even affected participants who had never smoked and were therefore at a considerably low risk of developing COPD.

Diagnosing COPD

COPD can be diagnosed by several tests. A spirometry is one of the simplest and only requires the patient to blow into a tube that measures lung capacity and how quickly the air is exhaled. This test may also be accompanied by an arterial blood gas analysis, which measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a blood sample. Chest X-rays or CT scans and sputum samples are also occasionally used to screen for emphysema.

Treating COPD

COPD symptoms are typically treated through one or more of four options:

• Bronchodilators (inhalers), which contain medications that relax the muscles around airways
• Antibiotics to fight respiratory infections or steroids to reduce inflammation during flare-ups
• Oxygen therapy to increase the levels of oxygen in a patient’s blood
• Surgery to remove the damaged sections of the lungs (or a transplant in severe cases)

Adjustments can be made to a patient’s home environment to make it easier to breathe. Patients should avoid cold or smoke-polluted air, and smokers are strongly urged to quit. Those with COPD may also benefit from joining a rehabilitation program or support group.

COPD patients may have questions about how asbestos exposure relates to their condition. To speak with a Patient Advocate at the Mesothelioma Center, please call (800) 615-2270.