9 Health Conditions Associated With Asbestos Exposure

In the past, many industries favored asbestos for its heat resistance and insulation properties, using it
extensively in construction, shipbuilding, and automotive industries, especially between the 1940s and
the 1980s.
However, the substantial health risks tied to asbestos exposure were disregarded despite companies
being aware of its dangers to workers. This negligence resulted in countless individuals suffering
from serious health issues, including respiratory problems and cancers.
So, understanding the health conditions associated with asbestos exposure is crucial. It allows people to
spot early signs of possible health problems and get medical help immediately. This article discusses
a number of health problems that can be caused by asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma hits the soft protective layers around many of our organs but hits the lungs and chest
area the hardest. Even if a person takes good care of their health, they might still get this disease
because, in the past, lots of workers got exposed to asbestos without even knowing.

You might feel pain in your chest or have trouble breathing. It is a rare condition but indeed a deadly
one. If you or someone close to you was diagnosed with Mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure,
remember that you have rights.
You may be entitled to compensation to help with your medical bills and other expenses. Reach out to a
reliable mesothelioma law firm to ensure you get the fair compensation that you deserve. The law firm
and expert attorneys can advise you on the best legal steps to take.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis makes the lung tissues hard and scarred, making it tough for them to work as they should.
Because of this, people with asbestosis often deal with a constant dry cough, shortness of breath, and
tightness in their chest area.
Sadly, there’s no cure for asbestosis right now. So, doctors usually try to help people by controlling the
symptoms as much as possible and stopping the disease from worsening.
The treatments might include using medicines to ease the breathlessness and going to physical therapy
sessions to keep the lungs active and healthy.

Lung Cancer

Smoking is indeed a major cause of lung cancer, but asbestos plays a big role, too. And if a person
smokes and also has been around asbestos, the chances of getting lung cancer spike. It usually starts
with a bad cough that doesn’t go away, pain in the chest area, and difficulty breathing.
These signs should not be ignored, and if you notice them, go see a doctor as soon as possible. Early
diagnoses can help plan a treatment that works well. This might be surgery to remove the cancer or
radiotherapy or chemotherapy to target the cancer cells and stop them from growing.

Pleural Effusions

Pleural effusion is when too much liquid accumulates in the space between your lungs and the chest
wall. This is not something to take lightly, as it can lead to more serious conditions.
When you have pleural effusions, you might feel pain in your chest or find it hard to breathe. It’s like
having a heavy weight on your chest that doesn’t let your lungs move freely.
Doctors perform a medical procedure called thoracentesis, where they use a thin tube to remove the
excess fluid, helping you breathe easier. Besides this, the doctor will also try to control any other
symptoms you have and treat the root cause of the problem to prevent it from coming back.

Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer is the cancer that affects the voice box area. This is where your vocal cords are, and it
helps you speak, breathe, and swallow. Symptoms include a sore throat for a long time or a persistent
cough that doesn’t go away. Eating might become difficult because swallowing can be painful.
If you notice these signs, it’s very important to go to a doctor. The earlier you find out about the cancer,
the earlier you can start treatment. The treatment might involve surgery, radiotherapy, or
chemotherapy to remove the cancerous cells.

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are a health issue where thick patches grow on the inner wall of the pleura, which is the
thin layer covering your lungs and the inside of your chest. This happens mainly because of being around
asbestos for a long time.
A tricky thing about pleural plaques is that not everyone will feel sick or have clear symptoms. But, some
people might feel pain in their chest or have trouble breathing. It is one of those conditions that sneak
up on you, so it is good to be aware of it if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
Regular check-ups are very important. Right now, there isn’t a treatment that directly targets pleural
plaques, but monitoring it is important to ensure it doesn’t become a bigger issue.

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening happens when the thin covering around your lungs becomes thicker than normal. It
means your lungs can’t work as well as they should, which changes slowly over time.
People with this condition often complain about a steady pain in the chest area and feeling out of breath
often. These signs show that the lungs are not working at their best, making day-to-day life harder.
There isn’t a cure for pleural thickening, but the doctor can help manage the symptoms to make life
more comfortable. They might give medicines to ease the pain and help with breathing issues.

Ovarian Cancer

People who have been around asbestos for long might have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer.
While experts are still figuring out how exactly this happens, it is proven that there is a connection
between the two.
In the early stages, ovarian cancer usually shows no clear signs. This makes it very important to go for
regular health check-ups, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos. As the disease progresses,
some might start feeling pain in the lower belly area, feel bloated often, and find it hard to eat as usual.
Finding this cancer early can give a better chance of fighting it. Doctors usually suggest treatments like
removing the tumor through surgery or chemotherapy, a type of medicine that targets cancer cells.

Conclusion

Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including various forms of cancer and respiratory
diseases. Recognizing the symptoms early on is crucial. It allows for prompt treatment, helping to
manage the diseases more effectively. The ailments discussed share common treatments, such as
surgery and chemotherapy.
If you experience symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing, immediately see a
doctor. It’s your best bet to prevent these conditions from getting worse. Stay informed and prioritize
your health to live a safer, healthier life.