Asbestosis

Asbestosis
A plaque caused by asbestos exposure on the diaphragmatic pleura
SpecialtyPulmonology
SymptomsShortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain[1]
ComplicationsLung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural fibrosis, pulmonary heart disease[1][2]
Usual onset~10-40 years after long-term exposure[3]
CausesAsbestos[4]
Diagnostic methodHistory of exposure, medical imaging[4]
PreventionEliminating exposure[4]
TreatmentSupportive care, stopping smoking, oxygen therapy,[5][4] lung replacement
PrognosisUp to 40% continue to worsen[6]
Frequency157,000 (2015)[7]
Deaths3,600 (2015)[8]

Asbestosis is long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs due to asbestos fibers.[4] Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness.[1] Complications may include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease.[1][9]

Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. It requires a relatively large exposure over a long period of time, which typically only occur in those who directly work with asbestos.[1][9] All types of asbestos fibers are associated with an increased risk.[1] It is generally recommended that currently existing and undamaged asbestos be left undisturbed.[1] Diagnosis is based upon a history of exposure together with medical imaging.[4] Asbestosis is a type of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.[4]

There is no specific treatment.[1] Recommendations may include influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, oxygen therapy, and stopping smoking.[1] Asbestosis affected about 157,000 people and resulted in 3,600 deaths in 2015.[8][7] Asbestos use has been banned in a number of countries in an effort to prevent disease.[1]

Statistics from the UK's Health and Safety Executive showed that in 2019, there were 490 asbestosis deaths.[10]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Asbestosis symptoms and treatments". NHS Inform. NHS. 6 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  2. ^ "World Health Organization. Air Quality Guidelines, 2nd Edition—Asbestos" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 24, 2011. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
  3. ^ Thillai M, Moller DR, Meyer KC (2017). Clinical Handbook of Interstitial Lung Disease. CRC Press. p. PT635. ISBN 9781351650083.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Lara AR (May 2014). "Asbestosis - Pulmonary Disorders". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Merck. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Asbestosis symptoms and treatments". NHS Inform. 6 April 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  6. ^ Smedley J, Dick F, Sadhra S (2013). Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health. OUP Oxford. p. PT165. ISBN 9780191653308.
  7. ^ a b GBD 2015 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators (8 October 2016). "Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 310 diseases and injuries, 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015". Lancet. 388 (10053): 1545–1602. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31678-6. PMC 5055577. PMID 27733282.
  8. ^ a b GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators (8 October 2016). "Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 1980-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015". Lancet. 388 (10053): 1459–1544. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(16)31012-1. PMC 5388903. PMID 27733281.
  9. ^ a b World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe., ed. (2000). "6.2 – Asbestos". Air Quality Guidelines (PDF) (2nd ed.). Copenhagen, Denmark: WHO. pp. 1–14. ISBN 9789289013581. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2009.
  10. ^ "Asbestos-related disease statistics, Great Britain 2021" (PDF). Health & Safety Executive. December 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-03-05.