Living With Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases

The outlook for people who have asbestos-related lung diseases varies. It will depend on which disease they have and how much it has damaged their lungs.

No treatments can reverse the effects of asbestos on your lungs. However, treatments may help relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you have lung cancer, treatments may help slow the progress of the disease.

Ongoing Care

If you have an asbestos-related lung disease, you'll need routine followup care for the rest of your life. This may include chest x rays and lung function tests every 3 to 5 years.

Follow your treatment plan as your doctor prescribes. Call your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get flu and pneumonia vaccines. These vaccines can help lower your risk for lung infections. Avoiding lung infections can help prevent other, more serious complications.

If you smoke, quit. Smoking raises your risk for lung cancer if you have pleural plaque, pleural effusion, or asbestosis.

Talk to your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit smoking. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.

Emotional Issues and Support

Living with an asbestos-related lung disease may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. It's important to talk about how you feel with your health care team. Talking to a professional counselor also can help. If you're feeling very depressed, your health care team or counselor may prescribe medicines to make you feel better.

Joining a patient support group may help you adjust to living with an asbestos-related lung disease. You can see how other people who have the same symptoms have coped with them. Talk to your doctor about local support groups or check with an area medical center.

Support from family and friends also can help relieve stress and anxiety. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help you.