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Asbestosis Complications

Each year, an estimated 10,000 Americans succumb to illnesses related to asbestos exposure. Despite major advances in medical technology, doctors and specialists are often at a loss when treating asbestos-related patients. Many of these illnesses give the patient an elevated risk of developing multiple asbestos-related diseases and conditions. These complications present the sufferer and his or her doctors with a host of challenges relating to treatment and recovery. For general information about asbestosis, please see Asbestosis Overview.

Most asbestosis patients will be plagued by other, more serious complications. In the early stages of development, asbestosis can cause shortness of breath during physical activity. As the condition worsens, the sufferer's capacity for oxygen deteriorates and causes a constant shortness of breath. These terrible symptoms are often accompanied by pain in the chest and back, coughing, and finger clubbing (a condition in which the digits become increasingly deformed). For more information about symptoms, please see Asbestosis Symptoms.

In the later stages of development, other complications may arise. These complications present a serious challenge to doctors. Although many people who are exposed to asbestos may live symptom-free for 20 to 50 years, some patients may develop additional complications, including:

• High Blood Pressure - Because asbestosis can destroy the lungs' blood vessels, it may lead to high blood pressure in the arteries near the lungs. A doctor may refer to this complication as pulmonary hypertension.
• Heart Disease - As the blood pressure increases, the heart will have to work harder to pump blood. Eventually, the heart may weaken and fail.
• Other Lung Complications - The presence of asbestos fibers in the lungs can cause thickening of lung membranes (pleural membranes), the formation of calcium deposits or plaques, and the accumulation of fluids in the lungs. Although these complications are non-cancerous in nature, they may be accompanied by respiratory difficulty and should be considered a serious threat to your health.
• Cancers - Asbestosis can elevate the risk of developing serious, asbestos-related cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

In one study, researchers found nearly 46 percent of their asbestosis-suffering sample developed lung cancer, as opposed to nine percent of asbestos-exposed individuals who had not developed asbestosis. Notably, all of the individuals who developed lung cancer were smokers or ex-smokers. This strong correlation leads scientists to believe that the use of tobacco products greatly increases one's risk of developing cancer complications from asbestosis or exposure to asbestos. Please see Mesothelioma for more information.

Asbestosis complications present a formidable challenge to doctors and patients who are interested in treatment options. If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos at any time, you have the right to make a claim against the asbestos industry. Contact an experienced asbestos lawyer today.

Sources:

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asbestosis/DS00482/DSECTION=3
2. http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/reprint/113/6/1517.pdf?ck=nck

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