Comparisonsmaster
Signs You Were Exposed To Asbestos
Related Topics (Sponsored Ads):
The reason asbestos is still an issue is because the diseases it causes usually take 10 – 40 years to manifest and many buildings still in use have asbestos within them. However, asbestos that is covered and not exposed usually presents no danger – it is when the asbestos gets exposed and into the air that a dangerous condition occurs.
The reason asbestos is still an issue is because the diseases it causes usually take 10 – 40 years to manifest and many buildings still in use have asbestos within them. However, asbestos that is covered and not exposed usually presents no danger – it is when the asbestos gets exposed and into the air that a dangerous condition occurs.
Asbestosis
If enough asbestos fibers and dust get into the lungs, it can cause many bad health conditions, which are categorized as asbestosis. This condition typically occurs from asbestos exposure over time, but can also happen from short term large scale exposure – as happened to many rescue workers during the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The vast majority of asbestosis patients are construction and industrial workers who were exposed during the course of their jobs.
Unfortunately, any signs (symptoms) of asbestosis take 10 to even 40 years to become noticeable. Still, prompt medical treatment is required if the person is in an at-risk group and any of the symptoms discussed below appear.
Symptoms Involving the Lungs
– Chronic shortness of breath, especially if no prior history of asthma or related conditions
– Persistent cough
– Recurring tightness or pain in the chest
– Chronic respiratory problems or illnesses
– Wheezing and other irregular noises when breathing
Symptoms In Other Parts Of the Body
– Hoarse voice and difficulty swallowing
– Abdominal or pelvic pain and swelling
– Aggravated constipation or hernia
– Loss of appetite and weight loss
– Deformation (clubbing) of finger tips and toes
Diagnosis
There is no test or set of tests that can conclusively diagnose asbestosis. Standard medical procedure is that for anyone who is at-risk and starts showing the above symptoms will be assumed to have some sort of an asbestosis condition and treated accordingly. It should be noted that those in an at-risk category and also smoke are greatly more likely to develop asbestosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure at present but medical treatment can help alleviate symptoms and help stop cancer from forming.
