Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Learning Objectives |
Upon completion of this section, you should be able to
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Introduction |
Patients with a history of asbestos exposure will vary widely in their clinical condition. Some will be asymptomatic and will continue to be so for life. Some will be beginning to show signs of asbestos-associated disease, and others will have more established disease. The care you provide will depend on the clinical status of the patient. All patients exposed to asbestos, however, need some basic guidance on
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Self Care |
Patients should be advised to avoid exposures and conditions that might further increase their risk of disease or worsen their existing condition (see table). |
Advice | Rationale |
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If the patient smokes, advice them to stop smoking and provide advice on smoking cessation. All patients should avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. |
Smoking decreases lung defenses, dramatically increases risk of lung cancer in case of asbestos exposure, and worsens effects of asbestosis. |
Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants, such as air pollution, dusts, and fumes. |
These irritants can worsen breathing problems. |
Avoid exposure to respiratory infections. |
Respiratory infections can be very serious in people with asbestos-associated respiratory conditions. |
Clinical Follow Up |
Patients should be advised to consult their physicians if they have
ATSDR’s patient education sheet on asbestos toxicity has a more detailed checklist that you can use to determine which types of follow-up are relevant for a given patient. |
Key Points |
Counsel patients as follows:
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Progress Check |