Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Asbestosis

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Pulmonary fibrosis - from asbestos exposure; Interstitial pneumonitis - from asbestos exposure

Definition    Return to top

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Causes    Return to top

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally, and cannot perform gas exchange. The severity of the disease depends upon the duration of exposure to asbestos and the amount inhaled.

Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occurs in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.

Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 - 40 years after exposure. Workers today are less likely to develop asbestos-related disease because of government regulations.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.

Symptoms    Return to top

Possible additional symptoms include the following:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

When listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation), the doctor may detect a crackling sound.

These tests may help diagnose the disease:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no cure available. Stopping further exposure to asbestos is essential. To ease symptoms, postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration can help remove secretions from the lungs.

The doctor may prescribe aerosol medications to thin secretions. People with this condition may need to receive oxygen by mask or by a plastic piece that fits into the nostrils. Certain patients may require lung transplantation.

Support Groups    Return to top

You can ease the stress of this illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome depends upon the duration and extent of the exposure. Patients who develop malignant mesothelioma have a poor probable outcome, with 75% of those affected dying within 1 year.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or if you have unexplained symptoms.

Prevention    Return to top

In people who are exposed to asbestos, early screening by chest x-ray may help prevent asbestosis.

References    Return to top

Pupavath S, Godwin JD. Imaging of interstitial lung disease. Radiol Clin North Am. May 2005;43:589-599.

Glazer CS, Newman LS. Occupational interstitial lung disease. Chest. September 2004;25:467-478.

English JC, Leslie KO. Pathology of the pleura. Clin Chest Med. June 2006;27:157-180.

Update Date: 3/1/2007

Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.