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Asbestosis Diagnosis

Asbestosis is a respiratory disorder caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers that are inhaled into the lungs. As these fibers accumulate in the lungs, the tissue becomes chronically inflamed and irritated, leading to the formation of scarred tissue that cannot perform as effectively as healthy lungs. Please see Asbestosis Causes for further information on how asbestos exposure causes this condition.

The first symptoms of asbestosis do not appear for many years, but once symptoms do appear, they can quickly intensify. Ceasing asbestos exposure can prevent the condition from becoming worse, but there is currently no treatment that can reverse the damage to the lungs.

During the majority of the twentieth century, construction workers, shipyard workers, and those involved in the manufacturing of asbestos-containing products were repeatedly exposed to asbestos. Many began developing symptoms of asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancers. For more in-depth information about at-risk occupations, and the types of products asbestos was used in, please see Occupations at Risk of Asbestos Exposure and Products Containing Asbestos.

Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and clubbing of the fingers. In the early stages of the disease, people experience shortness of breath during physical activity. However, as the condition progresses, they will experience shortness of breath even when resting. Please see Asbestosis Symptoms for more information about signs and symptoms.

If you have previously been exposed to asbestos, and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor. Make sure to let them know about your history of asbestos exposure.

Screening and Diagnosis of Asbestosis

A complete medical history report for your doctor is required for proper diagnosis of asbestosis. This includes details of asbestos exposure, symptoms, and any other relevant information. To diagnose asbestosis, the doctor will first use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. If the lungs are affected, they may hear a dry crackling sound when you breathe. However, the detection of this symptom is not enough to diagnose asbestosis. To diagnose the condition correctly, several other tests are required.

Pulmonary Function Testing

People who are suspected to have asbestosis will often undergo a pulmonary function test. This test determines how well the lungs are functioning. It's also designed to test the capacity of the lungs (how much air they can hold) and determine how well air flow is going in and out. The most common way of measuring these functions is by blowing into an instrument called a spirometer.

Chest X-Ray

Diagnosis of asbestosis may also involve undergoing a chest x-ray, which is used to detect any abnormalities present in lung tissue. On an x-ray, scarred lung tissue developing from asbestos exposure appears as opaque areas. In advanced cases of asbestosis in which an entire lung is affected, the area may have a honeycomb-like appearance on an x-ray.

CT Scan

A Computerized Tomography scan may be recommended by the doctor to confirm a diagnosis of asbestosis. A CT scan can also be used for screening purposes, as these scans can detect asbestosis sooner than chest x-rays.

Bronchoscopy

The doctor may also recommend a bronchoscopy. In this procedure, a thin fiber-optic scope is inserted into the lungs. This procedure is carried out to obtain fluid or tissue samples from the lung area. A patient whose diagnosis is difficult to confirm may undergo this procedure so that fluid and tissue samples can be tested to ensure a correct diagnosis.

After Diagnosis

Once diagnosis of asbestosis has been confirmed, the next step is determining treatment options. This will depend on how advanced the asbestosis has progressed. If the condition is caught early enough, treatments can be quite effective, as long as exposure to asbestos is stopped. However, it's important to note that there are no treatments that can reverse the lung damage caused by asbestos exposure. Treatments for this condition only relieve symptoms, although surgery may be an option in some cases. For more information, please see Asbestos Treatment - Overview.

Sources:

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000118.htm
2. http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/pulmonary/old/conditions/asbestosis/diagnosis.html
3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asbestosis/DS00482/DSECTION=6
4. http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=35§ionId=7

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