Asbestos Link to Asbestosis

The long-term effects of asbestos exposure on the lungs can be devastating and may lead to many asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis.

Asbestos effects on the lungs

When asbestos breaks down into dust, individuals can inhale asbestos fibers. An inhaled fiber travels through the nose, down the trachea, and directly into the lung tissue. The fibers lodge in the alveoli, which are small, interconnected sacs that form part of the lung’s tissue.

The alveoli transfer oxygen to the blood, exchanging it with carbon dioxide. Oxygen diffuses through the porous alveolar walls, into and through capillary walls, and flows into the blood. Likewise, carbon dioxide gas moves through veins to the alveoli so the gas can be exhaled.

In response to a foreign particle, the alveoli produce cells that break down and ingest foreign particles. However, asbestos fibers are very chemically resistant particles, and the cells have difficulty breaking down asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers trigger an inflammatory reaction—connective tissue is deposited, cells die, more cells are released, and the cycle repeats. Fibrous mass (scar tissue) builds up, which thickens the alveolar walls. The thicker walls are less elastic, and less gas exchange occurs. Overall, the lung’s function starts diminishing. Coughing does not expel the embedded fibers, and the condition chronically worsens over time, developing into asbestosis.

Asbestosis symptoms

The symptoms typically associated with asbestosis include:

• Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath may first occur only when the body is getting exercise or exerting itself. But eventually the shortness of breath becomes constant, even while asleep in severe cases
• Dry cough. As the disease progresses, asbestosis sufferers may experience a persistent dry cough
• Chest pain. One of the symptoms may be intermittent chest pain
• Clubbed fingers. Clubbed fingers occur when the fingernails start curving downward and the fingertips become flattened and rounded, or bulb-shaped. While clubbed fingers are a symptom of asbestosis, they also can be a symptom of other diseases, such as heart disease or lung disease

Asbestosis and mesothelioma

Severe asbestosis can be debilitating and even life threatening. The loss of lung function puts stress on the heart and can result in a fatal heart condition.