What Is Asbestosis in Vancouver?

Asbestosis is a lung disease that develops when asbestos fibers cause scarring in your lungs. The scarring restricts your breathing and interferes with the ability of oxygen to enter your bloodstream. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lung.

This disease is called asbestosis and is usually found in workers exposed to asbestos, but not to the general public. People with asbestosis have difficulty breathing, often a cough, and in severe cases heart enlargement. Asbestosis is a serious disease and can eventually lead to disability and death. Other names for this disease are pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial pneumonitis.

Many cases originate from workplace exposure to asbestos before federal laws regulating it was enacted in the mid-1970s. This disease takes years to develop and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

In most cases, symptoms don’t start to appear until approximately 20 years (range 10 to 40 years) after exposure to asbestos.

Common symptoms of asbestosis include:

1. shortness of breath.
2. tightness in your chest.
3. persistent dry cough.
4. chest pain.
5. appetite loss.
6. finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)
7. nail deformities.

Causes and Risk of Asbestosis

When you inhale asbestos fibers, they can become embedded in your lungs and lead to the formation of scar tissue. This scarring is known as asbestosis. The scarring can make it difficult for you to breathe because it prevents your lung tissue from expanding and contracting normally. There’s no way to heal the damage asbestos causes to the small sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. But your doctor will help you manage your symptoms. He may prescribe oxygen to help you breathe. If you have severe symptoms, you may even be placed on a lung transplant list. People with asbestosis are more likely to develop lung cancer.

Treatment for Asbestosis

Asbestosis can’t be cured. However, there are a few treatments that can help control or reduce symptoms. Prescription inhalers may help loosen congestion in your lungs. Supplemental oxygen from a mask or tubes that fit inside your nose can help if you have severe difficulty breathing. Asbestosis treatments also involve preventing the disease from getting worse by avoiding further exposure to asbestos and by quitting smoking. lung transplant might be an option if your condition is severe.

Vancouver Asbestos Removal offers these services:

• Asbestos Testing
• Asbestos Removal
• Mold (Mould) Removal
• Lead Removal
• Insulation Removal & Replacement

Contact Vancouver Asbestos Removal for any Asbestos related issues.