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.

Asbestosis mesothelioma victims witness breathing difficulties as the initial symptom. Total respiratory failure may be experienced by patients who are seriously affected. Minimum ten years are required for the disease to become visible. But many cases have been reported where the illness became noticeable just after a period of three months. Amphibole and Serpentine are the two types of asbestos particles. Amphibole is thin and straight whereas serpentine is curved. It is the first one that is responsible for the disease since it can move deep into the lungs through the process of inhalation. This results in injuring 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.

Those who are seriously affected by asbestosis mesothelioma may suffer from clubbing of fingers and inspiratory crackles. The disease may not be posing threat to life, but it can result in serious medical conditions like heart failure. Development of plaque in the chest and lung cavities is found in almost half of the patients.

Successful treatment is not available for asbestosis mesothelioma presently. But breathing problems can be alleviated by regular oxygen therapy administered at home. Respiratory physiotherapy, chest percussion, vibration and nebulization are other supportive treatments available for diluting secretions that are responsible for shortness of breath. Asbestosis mesothelioma patients can also claim compensation from their errant employers.

If you liked this content about mesothelioma, then you should sound out this other website all about mesothelioma research.

Tagged with:

Filed under: Cancer

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!