Asbestosis mesothelioma is a work related lung disease like the mesothelioma cancer. It affects the parenchyma tissue of the lungs. Over exposure to asbestos is the reason behind the disease. Here the parenchymal tissues permanently remain sore and irritable as a result of which dyspnea or shortness of breath occurs. There is increased possibility of contracting lung cancer also. In this case plaque would form above the diaphragm due to over exposure to asbestos. This will be revealed in X-ray tests.

The initial symptom of asbestosis mesothelioma is breathing difficulties and seriously affected persons may witness total respiratory failure. The disease usually does not show up before ten years after asbestos exposure. But there are documented cases where the ailment became visible after just three months. There are two types of asbestos particles, namely, amphibole, which are thin and straight, and serpentine, which is curved. It is the former that creates asbestosis because it can penetrate deep into the lungs through inhalation and scar 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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