Asbestos-Related Disorders (cont.)
How is asbestosis treated?
Patients with asbestosis, like others with chronic
lung disease, are at a higher risk of serious infection,
low oxygen levels in the blood, and heart failure. These
patients also may not recover as quickly from viral and
bacterial infections. In addition, they may be at
increased risk for certain fungal and unusual infections
that take advantage of diseased or scarred lung tissue.
The medical management of these patients should focus
special attention on preventing and rapidly treating these
infections. Flu and
pneumococcal vaccinations are a part
of routine care for these patients. There is, however, no
treatment or cure for asbestosis. In particular, steroid
and immune-based therapies have not been shown to benefit
these patients.
Other key elements in treating patients with asbestosis
are smoking cessation, early detection of worsening disease
or cancer, and avoidance of further exposure to asbestos.
Supplemental oxygen during exercise or at rest (depending
on the need) may be provided to improve daily function.
What is pleural disease?
Another type of lung disease that is linked to asbestos exposure involves the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. Harmless disease of the pleura is often the only manifestation of asbestos exposure. There are a number of different changes that can occur in the pleura with asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques (discussed above) may develop from fibers that migrate out to the outside edge of the lungs and cause scarring of the pleura. Pleural "calcification" may occur from calcium deposits in areas of prior damage.
Fluid may accumulate around the lung. This fluid
collection, called an effusion, can be the first sign of
asbestos-related disease. Often, these fluid collections
have no associated symptoms, resolve on their own, and
recur sporadically. However, some patients may experience
pain or bleeding around their lungs. "Diffuse pleural
thickening," which means a generalized thickening of the
lining of the lung, can occur as well. The thickened
pleura may form a peel of scar tissue and even affect the
lung's ability to expand. This condition may cause a
significant shortness of breath. Diffuse pleural
thickening is considered a later-onset consequence of
repeated fluid accumulations.
Next: Does asbestos exposure cause lung cancer? »
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