Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & Asbestos

According to researchers, the connection between asbestos and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not as clear as the connection between asbestos and other lung diseases. The American Lung Association reports that exposure to asbestos can easily irritate a previously existing case of COPD. In some cases, asbestos exposure may even be one of the factors that causes the condition. Asbestos exposure most frequently occurs in the workplace.

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease is a category that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many COPD patients have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthmatic bronchitis is also classified as COPD. In the case of COPD, the airways and air sacs (alveoli) of a person's lungs lose their elasticity. This often makes it difficult for someone to properly exhale, which allows air to be trapped inside the lungs. Stale air in the lungs can not only make someone receive less oxygen, but also inhibit them from expelling carbon dioxide.

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD include:

• A persisting cough
• Increased phlegm and mucus production
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Wheezing
• Frequently occurring respiratory infections

The appearance of any of these symptoms is likely a sign that significant lung damage has occurred.

Smoking, COPD, and Asbestos

Because smoking is the primary cause of emphysema and lung cancer, being a smoker and experiencing asbestos exposure can be a costly combination. Smoking is known to greatly increase the risk of lung cancer and asbestosis for people who are exposed to asbestos. If a person has chronic bronchitis and is also a smoker, their risk for lung cancer is also greatly increased. The decision to quit smoking is one thing that people can do to help prevent COPD and other lung diseases.

Diagnosis

A doctor may use several tests if he or she suspects a patient has COPD. A simple pulmonary function test called spirometry can easily determine if someone has COPD before any symptoms appear. During a spirometry, a patient will be asked to blow into a tube that is connected to a spirometer. The spirometer will measure how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly the air can be expelled.

An arterial blood gas analysis will sometimes be taken during the pulmonary function test. This blood test measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a person's blood. Chest x-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans are sometimes used to see signs of emphysema. A sputum sample may also be taken to see if there are any signs of lung cancer.

Complications of COPD

If you have COPD, it is extremely important to receive regular treatment to avoid complications of the disease. COPD can lead to serious complications regardless of whether smoking, asbestos exposure, or some other irritant caused your condition. A person who has COPD is highly more prone to respiratory infections, including colds, the flu, and pneumonia.

People with COPD are also more prone to have high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood to the lungs. Because high blood pressure increases the risk of heart problems, COPD patients are at greater risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems than most of the population.

Treatment of COPD

Three basic groups of medicine are used to relieve symptoms of COPD and to prevent or reduce its complications. These include bronchodilators, antibiotics and inhaled steroids. Newer medicines are also being developed, which will hopefully provide more effective relief of COPD.

Bronchodilators are used to relax the muscles surrounding the airways. In most instances, bronchodilators require the use of an inhaler. A patient may need both short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators. Short-acting bronchodilators are used before activities, while long-term bronchodilators are used everyday.

Antibiotics can be used to fight any respiratory infections someone might develop. Inhaled steroids are used to reduce inflammation of the airways, but they must be used with caution. Over time, steroids can weaken the bones and increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts, and glaucoma. For this reason, inhaled steroids are usually not prescribed for mild cases of COPD.

Oxygen may be prescribed to help a patient breathe easier. In fact, some COPD patients must use oxygen on a regular basis, while others only need it during physical activity. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes monitored exercise, education, nutrition, and counseling, may help a person regain their ability to participate in former activities. In addition, such rehabilitation may also help someone deal emotionally with the condition.

Surgical procedures can be implemented as well to help COPD patients. During lung-volume reduction surgery, the doctor will remove all damaged sections of the lungs so that the more healthy portions can work more efficiently. In some severe cases of COPD, a lung transplant may be recommended.

Whether a patient's COPD has been caused by smoking, asbestos-exposure, or some other cause, modern medicine can help them lead a happier, more fulfilled life. And by learning all they can about the condition, they will be better prepared to talk with their doctor about the possible treatment options and their overall health.

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