Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that causes damage to the tissue of the lungs. Asbestosis symptoms tend to begin to show after fifteen to twenty years after the initial asbestos exposure occurred. Some symptoms begin quite mildly but then become more sever over time- shortness of breath is a common example of this.
At first the shortness of breath may only occur as a result of physical activity but as time goes by it will begin to occur during periods of rest too.
A persistent cough is usually present and gradually gets worse as the years go by, it is easy to ignore the cough as coughs are often the sign of regular viruses.
Another symptom, of asbestosis is chest pain, chest pain can be caused by many other conditions so it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible.
A less common symptom reported is a swelling and reddening of the fingers. This is called finger clubbing and occurs due to a build up of fluid in the fingers.
If you visit your GP and ask about your symptoms you will probably have your chest listened to using a stethoscope. Asbestosis sufferers have a crackling noise present when they breathe in and out, the doctor will be familiar with this.
A medical history will be taken and your GP will want to know whether you have been exposed to asbestos and if so how long you were exposed for. Questions will also be asked surrounding the safety precautions (if any) that were taken.
If Asbestosis is suspected then the following three tests will be conducted - a spirometer test which measures how much oxygen you can inhale in relation to how much carbon dioxide you exhale. X-rays may be taken of your lungs and chest. If asbestos is expected to be in its early stages then a CT scan may be carried out in order to get a detailed picture of what is happening.
At first the shortness of breath may only occur as a result of physical activity but as time goes by it will begin to occur during periods of rest too.
A persistent cough is usually present and gradually gets worse as the years go by, it is easy to ignore the cough as coughs are often the sign of regular viruses.
Another symptom, of asbestosis is chest pain, chest pain can be caused by many other conditions so it is wise to see a doctor as soon as possible.
A less common symptom reported is a swelling and reddening of the fingers. This is called finger clubbing and occurs due to a build up of fluid in the fingers.
If you visit your GP and ask about your symptoms you will probably have your chest listened to using a stethoscope. Asbestosis sufferers have a crackling noise present when they breathe in and out, the doctor will be familiar with this.
A medical history will be taken and your GP will want to know whether you have been exposed to asbestos and if so how long you were exposed for. Questions will also be asked surrounding the safety precautions (if any) that were taken.
If Asbestosis is suspected then the following three tests will be conducted - a spirometer test which measures how much oxygen you can inhale in relation to how much carbon dioxide you exhale. X-rays may be taken of your lungs and chest. If asbestos is expected to be in its early stages then a CT scan may be carried out in order to get a detailed picture of what is happening.
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