Asbestosis Guide
Asbestosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the lungs with scarring, making it extremely difficult to breathe. The disease moves slowly but gets worse as times goes on. Some victims may feel no symptoms at all while others may experience a range of serious effects, which closely mimic mesothelioma symptoms.
As with all asbestos-related diseases, victims of asbestosis usually contracted the disease and experiencing prolonged exposure to asbestos, typically while working at job sites prior to the early 80s that used the mineral. Asbestos was commonly used in pipes, floors, shingles, cement, and as insulation before it was banned from production and shipment. However, by the time production and shipping of asbestos stopped, several thousand victims had already been exposed to so much that their health was already in poor condition.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other illness related to asbestos, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who are victims to asbestos-related diseases. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool today to find a leading mesothelioma attorney in your area.
Causes of Asbestosis
Asbestosis is almost exclusively caused by the fibers of asbestos getting caught in the lungs. When you breathe in asbestos, you run the risk of tiny, fine fibers getting lodged in your lungs. This almost always happens after long-term overexposure to asbestos, but in rare cases, it can happen to those who have only had short-term exposure.
Although mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis closely resemble each other, it’s important to remember that while mesothelioma is a disease in which cancerous cells build up on several different body parts (most typically, the lungs), asbestosis is an illness in which scar tissue develops on the lungs.
Asbestosis Prognosis
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), asbestosis can last a lifetime and can also be the cause of death. There were over 3,000 deaths between 1999 through 2004 in the United States as a result of asbestosis. In most cases, asbestosis victims will eventually need an oxygen tank in order to breathe.
How severe asbestosis is all depends upon how long a victim has been exposed to asbestos and how much many of the fibers were inhaled. Unfortunately, it can take decades for symptoms to show up, if at all. If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical assistance immediately.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asbestosis
As aforementioned, some asbestosis victims may not experience many symptoms, and almost all victims won’t experience symptoms until decades later. The most common warning signs include:
Chest tightness and pain
Difficulty in breathing with shortness of breath
An odd crackle-type sound when inhaling
Appetite changes such as loss of appetite
Unfortunately, the warning signs of asbestosis mimic allergies, the common cold, and/or the flu, and victims may prolong a doctor visit. However, getting immediate medical treatment can possibly help you battle the disease much more effectively it’s detected as soon as possible.
In order to be diagnosed with asbestosis, a physician typically takes x-rays of the chest, along with performing a biopsy and a complete physical exam. During the biopsy, a surgeon will remove a tiny portion of the lung tissues in order to search for asbestos fibers.
Treatment for Asbestosis
It’s important to understand that although there is no cure for asbestosis, there are a variety of treatments available so that victims can still enjoy and prolong their lives. In many instances, asbestosis and mesothelioma treatment options are similar.
Depending on the severity of the disease, physicians may recommend several options, including an entire lung transplant, oral and physical therapy, flu shots, aerosol medicine, and more. Physical and oral therapy may include exercises that help ease pain and remove mucous.
Living with Asbestosis
Aside from medical treatments, there is a variety of self-help methods you can use in order to live more successfully with asbestosis. Starting a healthy diet plan, first and foremost, will start you on the right path. A healthy diet should consists of plenty of fruits of fruits and vegetables while limiting salt intake, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases Registry (ATSDR). Additionally, unless specified otherwise by your physician, you should drink at least seven to eight glasses of water per day.
Along with a proper diet, asbestosis victims should always get enough rest. ATSDR suggest getting at least eight hours of sleep per night and light naps to reduce your chances of getting too tired.
Asbestosis victims must also try their best to keep away from bacteria and germs. Wash your hands as much as possible and try not to be in large crowds too much, if possible. In addition, stay indoors if pollution and/or smog are at a high point, and avoid getting too close to cleaning supplies that contain aerosol, gasoline fumes, and other irritants that can flare up your lungs.
Furthermore, ATSDR recommends keeping a journal in which you can track down your symptoms and things that may have triggered pain. Pay close attention to breathing difficulties and how long each bout lasts. Be sure to share your information with your physician.
Asbestosis Lawsuits
In the early 1980s, the state of New Jersey experienced the first mass tort lawsuit after several victims and family members of deceased victims came forward to file wrongful death and personal injury claims. The lawsuits were so significant that the majority of the New Jersey judicial system. This was the start of what would become standard in courts across the nation as more and more victims came forward. The plaintiffs in these cases were all exposed asbestos, particularly raw asbestos, which lead to asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestosis cases have not been limited solely to the United States. For example, in 1984, and Australian attorney helped over 300 workers fight for compensation after being exposed to asbestos at the Wittenoom mill. Wittenoom is a national park in Western Australia, yet what was once a beautiful park is now known as a place of suffering after thousands were exposed to asbestos while mining in the area.
In another Australian lawsuit, several victims and family members came forward after being exposed to asbestos in the La Trobe Valley, where the State Electricity Commission of Virginia (SECV) employed workers in their power stations. During construction of the power stations, employees were working daily while being subjected to large amounts of asbestos. As a result, a good portion of the workers were later diagnosed with asbestosis.
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma lawyer in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-694-4856.
Asbestosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the lungs with scarring, making it extremely difficult to breathe. The disease moves slowly but gets worse as times goes on. Some victims may feel no symptoms at all while others may experience a range of serious effects, which closely mimic mesothelioma symptoms.
As with all asbestos-related diseases, victims of asbestosis usually contracted the disease and experiencing prolonged exposure to asbestos, typically while working at job sites prior to the early 80s that used the mineral. Asbestos was commonly used in pipes, floors, shingles, cement, and as insulation before it was banned from production and shipment. However, by the time production and shipping of asbestos stopped, several thousand victims had already been exposed to so much that their health was already in poor condition.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other illness related to asbestos, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. There is currently over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who are victims to asbestos-related diseases. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool today to find a leading mesothelioma attorney in your area.
Causes of Asbestosis
Asbestosis is almost exclusively caused by the fibers of asbestos getting caught in the lungs. When you breathe in asbestos, you run the risk of tiny, fine fibers getting lodged in your lungs. This almost always happens after long-term overexposure to asbestos, but in rare cases, it can happen to those who have only had short-term exposure.
Although mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis closely resemble each other, it’s important to remember that while mesothelioma is a disease in which cancerous cells build up on several different body parts (most typically, the lungs), asbestosis is an illness in which scar tissue develops on the lungs.
Asbestosis Prognosis
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), asbestosis can last a lifetime and can also be the cause of death. There were over 3,000 deaths between 1999 through 2004 in the United States as a result of asbestosis. In most cases, asbestosis victims will eventually need an oxygen tank in order to breathe.
How severe asbestosis is all depends upon how long a victim has been exposed to asbestos and how much many of the fibers were inhaled. Unfortunately, it can take decades for symptoms to show up, if at all. If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical assistance immediately.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asbestosis
As aforementioned, some asbestosis victims may not experience many symptoms, and almost all victims won’t experience symptoms until decades later. The most common warning signs include:
Chest tightness and pain
Difficulty in breathing with shortness of breath
An odd crackle-type sound when inhaling
Appetite changes such as loss of appetite
Unfortunately, the warning signs of asbestosis mimic allergies, the common cold, and/or the flu, and victims may prolong a doctor visit. However, getting immediate medical treatment can possibly help you battle the disease much more effectively it’s detected as soon as possible.
In order to be diagnosed with asbestosis, a physician typically takes x-rays of the chest, along with performing a biopsy and a complete physical exam. During the biopsy, a surgeon will remove a tiny portion of the lung tissues in order to search for asbestos fibers.
Treatment for Asbestosis
It’s important to understand that although there is no cure for asbestosis, there are a variety of treatments available so that victims can still enjoy and prolong their lives. In many instances, asbestosis and mesothelioma treatment options are similar.
Depending on the severity of the disease, physicians may recommend several options, including an entire lung transplant, oral and physical therapy, flu shots, aerosol medicine, and more. Physical and oral therapy may include exercises that help ease pain and remove mucous.
Living with Asbestosis
Aside from medical treatments, there is a variety of self-help methods you can use in order to live more successfully with asbestosis. Starting a healthy diet plan, first and foremost, will start you on the right path. A healthy diet should consists of plenty of fruits of fruits and vegetables while limiting salt intake, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases Registry (ATSDR). Additionally, unless specified otherwise by your physician, you should drink at least seven to eight glasses of water per day.
Along with a proper diet, asbestosis victims should always get enough rest. ATSDR suggest getting at least eight hours of sleep per night and light naps to reduce your chances of getting too tired.
Asbestosis victims must also try their best to keep away from bacteria and germs. Wash your hands as much as possible and try not to be in large crowds too much, if possible. In addition, stay indoors if pollution and/or smog are at a high point, and avoid getting too close to cleaning supplies that contain aerosol, gasoline fumes, and other irritants that can flare up your lungs.
Furthermore, ATSDR recommends keeping a journal in which you can track down your symptoms and things that may have triggered pain. Pay close attention to breathing difficulties and how long each bout lasts. Be sure to share your information with your physician.
Asbestosis Lawsuits
In the early 1980s, the state of New Jersey experienced the first mass tort lawsuit after several victims and family members of deceased victims came forward to file wrongful death and personal injury claims. The lawsuits were so significant that the majority of the New Jersey judicial system. This was the start of what would become standard in courts across the nation as more and more victims came forward. The plaintiffs in these cases were all exposed asbestos, particularly raw asbestos, which lead to asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestosis cases have not been limited solely to the United States. For example, in 1984, and Australian attorney helped over 300 workers fight for compensation after being exposed to asbestos at the Wittenoom mill. Wittenoom is a national park in Western Australia, yet what was once a beautiful park is now known as a place of suffering after thousands were exposed to asbestos while mining in the area.
In another Australian lawsuit, several victims and family members came forward after being exposed to asbestos in the La Trobe Valley, where the State Electricity Commission of Virginia (SECV) employed workers in their power stations. During construction of the power stations, employees were working daily while being subjected to large amounts of asbestos. As a result, a good portion of the workers were later diagnosed with asbestosis.
Getting Legal Help
If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma lawyer in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-694-4856.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий