Asbestos was once a very commonly used building material. This was, of course, before doctors and scientists learned how dangerous it was. Many people were exposed and later developed severe and often fatal illnesses as a result. While it was a great building material, its detrimental effects on the human body negated any of its positive aspects.
Both cancerous and non-cancerous lung diseases have been linked to all commercially available forms of this substance. Tragically, it also usually takes about 20 years for most people to develop one of the associated illnesses. The most commonly developed are the ones involving the lungs. Careful safety precautions must be followed when removing asbestos from structures.
Asbestos fibers irritate the lungs and commonly cause the formation of scar tissue. Shortness of breath is a frequent symptom of asbestos related illnesses. Sufferers can find themselves unable to go up even one flight of stairs, without panting.
Coughing is another very frequent problem associated with it, since the fibers amass in the lungs. A cough is a natural reflex action. Our bodies use coughing to try to clear irritants out of the lungs. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have a regular cough, you should see a physician. You may have the fibers in your lungs.
Another symptom you need to watch out for is unexplained weight loss. It can be very dramatic in relation to asbestos related illnesses. There are many cases where it has meant these diseases have already spread to other parts of the persons body. If you have been exposed and are having a dramatic weight loss, it is imperative that you consult a doctor, immediately.
Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that has been found, in most cases, to be caused by asbestos. People with mesothelioma may experience all of the listed symptoms and more. Others can include chest pain and pleural effusion. This disease is usually confirmed via a biopsy.
It is sad to note that the prognosis for those diagnoses with Mesothelioma is usually not good. As of yet, there are no early screening tests for people that have been exposed. In some cases, it has taken as long as 50 years for them to develop symptoms.
Thankfully, due to increased awareness of the safety issues, asbestos related deaths have reached a plateau. People have learned how to remove it from existing structures in a much safer manner. This helps minimize the exposure and prevents the release of the fibers into the air. People are now specially trained to handle its removal. Buildings that contain it in dangerous amounts are usually made off-limits to the public, until they have been properly cleaned.
Another related illness is called Asbestiosis, this is a lung tissue scarring that occurs from inhalation of the fibers. The breathlessness associated with this condition often gets worse, with time. People who have been exposed to very high amounts of the fibers can develop it much faster and much more severely. Seeing a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is vital to their long-term prognosis.
