What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases?

The signs and symptoms of asbestos-related lung diseases vary. They depend on the disease and how much lung damage has occurred. Signs and symptoms may not appear for 10 to 40 or more years after exposure to asbestos.

If you have pleural plaque, you may not have any signs or symptoms. Pleural effusion may cause pain in the chest on one side. Both conditions often are found with a chest x ray. These conditions may occur earlier than other asbestos-related lung diseases.

The main symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath with physical exertion. You also may have a dry cough and feel tired. If your doctor listens to your lungs with a stethoscope, he or she may hear a crackling sound when you breathe in.

The symptoms of lung cancer may include a worsening cough or a cough that won't go away, trouble breathing, ongoing chest pain, and coughing up blood. Other symptoms of lung cancer include frequent lung infections, fatigue (tiredness), and weight loss without a known cause.

Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain due to pleural effusion.