What is asbestosis and how is it treated?

Exposure to asbestos can lead to devastating health problems. Primarily, the exposure to asbestos causes or exacerbates lung problems because of the damage that the fibers can once they are inhaled. In some cases, the result is lung cancer or mesothelioma. In other cases, the result is severe scarring on the lung the tissue, which can be diagnosed as asbestosis.

Unfortunately, asbestosis is very difficult to treat and there is currently no way to reverse the damage done by asbestos. However, there are ways to slow the progression of the disease and improve the lives of sufferers.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you may need supplemental oxygen. This means that you will be hooked up to an oxygen tank with a tube or mask which should make it easier to breathe. As noted by Mayo Clinic, one primary symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath which can be alleviated with the supplemental oxygen.

You may also undergo surgical procedures like a lung transplant to remove the damaged tissue.

Other actions that can be helpful in easing the symptoms and slowing the progress of asbestosis include quitting smoking and getting vaccinated to reduce the chance of developing pneumonia and lung infections. You may also benefit from ongoing testing and monitoring to keep an eye on how and if the illness is progressing.

These measures may not be able to undo the effects of asbestosis, but they could help to improve a sufferer’s quality of life and slow down the disease’s progression which can be crucial when it comes to asbestos-related illnesses.

Unfortunately, these treatment options can be much more expensive than a person is prepared to handle. In order to seek the treatment you or your loved one needs, you may want to consider your legal options for pursuing compensation. Because asbestosis can be caused by exposure to asbestos, a claim may be filed against the party responsible for any such exposure in cases involving negligence or recklessness.