ASBESTOSIS BACKGROUND

Asbestosis is defined as an inflammatory medical condition of a chronic nature that affects the parenchymal tissue of the lungs.

Asbestosis manifests following long-term, repeated exposure to Asbestos, and is considered to be an occupational lung disease.

In patients with Asbestosis, lung-tissue scarring occurs around the terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts, and is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

There are two specific types of fibers: the amphibole and the serpentine.

It is the amphibole fibers that are chiefly responsible for disease as they have the ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs.

Upon reaching the alveoli in the lung, the fibers trigger the activation of the lung’s immune system and lead to an inflammatory reaction.

This particular inflammatory reaction can be described as chronic rather than acute, and exhibits a slow, deliberate and ongoing progression as the patient’s immune-system seeks to exterminate the fibers.

Currently, there is no curative treatment for Asbestosis.

Oxygen-therapy can offer some relief from the shortness of breath that patients with the condition typically experience.

Respiratory physiotherapy can assist in the removal of secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration.

And nebulized medications can be offered as a means to help dilute secretions from the patient's lungs.