AsbestosAsbestos Diseases
Asbestosis
The term asbestosis has often encapsulated all ailments caused by asbestos. This term is misleading because asbestosis and mesothelioma differ greatly. Asbestosis occurs when inhalation of asbestos fibers leads to scarring of lung tissue and difficulty breathing. Asbestosis is not cancerous, while mesothelioma is. Asbestosis occurs in those who have had frequent asbestos exposure for about 8-10 years. Scarring of the lung tissue stiffens the flexibility of the lung, creating shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
Asbestosis can be mild where there is minimal impairment, or severe, which can be extremely debilitating and possibly fatal. There is no treatment to cure asbestosis, but symptoms can be treated and the progression of the disease can be stopped.
