Asbestosis mesothelioma affects the parenchyma tissue of the lungs and it is caused due to over exposure to asbestos particles. Hence it is a work related malady like mesothelioma cancer. The parenchymal tissues would permanently remain painful and irritable causing dyspnea or shortness of breath. Here lies enhanced chances of contracting lung cancer. Over exposure to asbestos would result in formation of plaque above the diaphragm and it can be found out in X-ray tests.

Breathing difficulty is the primary symptom of asbestosis mesothelioma and the persons who are seriously infected may become victims of total respiratory failure. It normally takes more than ten years for the disease to show up after the asbestos exposure. At the same time recognized cases are there where the disease became noticeable with in three months. Mainly there are two types of asbestos particles, namely amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole is thin and straight whereas serpentine is curved. The amphibole ones are responsible for asbestosis as they can go deep into the lungs through inhalation and injure lung tissues around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

The asbestos fibers enter the air sacs of alveoli, where oxygen is routed into the blood. There they rouse the lung’s inbuilt immune system into getting swollen with the aim of rejecting the foreign body. To get the intruder digested, the body releases macrophages, but asbestos being indigestible, the macrophages tend to die. The result would be the release of cytokines, which further invite more macrophages. This extra accumulation results in thickening of alveolar walls. The elasticity of the walls and transmission of gases get reduced hindering oxygen transfer into the blood.

Severely affected patients may witness inspiratory crackles and clubbing of fingers. The disease may not be life-threatening, but it can indirectly cause serious medical situations like heart failure. Around half of all asbestosis patients may develop plaque in the chest and lung cavities.

The disease has no treatment for a complete cure presently, but administering regular oxygen therapy at home can relieve breathing problems. Chest percussion, respiratory physiotherapy, vibration and nebulization are also utilized to attenuate secretions causing shortness of breath. Like mesothelioma patients, asbestosis patients are also entitled for compensation from their erstwhile employers.

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