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 This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
AsbestosisDefinitionAsbestosis is a respiratory disease brought on by inhaling asbestos fibers. Alternative NamesPulmonary fibrosis - from asbestos exposure; Interstitial pneumonitis - from asbestos exposure CausesInhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally, and cannot perform gas exchange. The severity of the disease depends on how long the person was exposed to asbestos and the amount inhaled. Often, symptoms and lung fibrosis do not occur and are not noticed for a period of 20 years or more after the asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occured in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing. Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 - 40 years after exposure. Workers today are less likely to develop asbestos-related disease because of government regulations. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. Symptoms
Possible additional symptoms include the following:
Exams and TestsWhen listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation), the doctor may detect a crackling sound. These tests may help diagnose the disease:
TreatmentThis version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional. Support GroupsYou can ease the stress of this illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group. Outlook (Prognosis)The outcome depends on the duration and extent of the asbestos exposure. Patients who develop malignant mesothelioma have a poor probable outcome, with 75% of those affected dying within 1 year. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or if you have unexplained symptoms. PreventionIn people who are exposed to asbestos, early screening by chest x-ray may help prevent asbestosis. ReferencesCowie RL, Murray J, Becklake MR. Pneumoconioses. In: Mason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, Nadel JA, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa : Saunders Elsevier; 2005: chap 61. Glazer CS, Newman LS. Occupational interstitial lung disease. Chest. September 2004;25:467-478.
Review Date:
4/24/2009 Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. 
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