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Step 1
Know about the long period that must pass before asbestos exposure typically produces symptoms. The primary danger from asbestos comes from inhaling it. Asbestos fibers tend to remain in the lungs once they are inhaled. The fibers will accumulate, causing lung inflammation and scarring, which can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Step 2
Inform your doctor of a possible exposure whether or not you have symptoms because they may not become apparent for years.
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Step 3
Watch for any persistent respiratory problems that get worse over time. Other symptoms may include fatigue, tightening of the chest, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck or face, loss of appetite and weight loss.
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Step 4
Get a medical exam to detect asbestos exposure. Specific tests should include lung function tests and a chest X-ray. The X-ray will not detect the actual asbestos fibers, but it can help identify early stages of lung disease. Computed tomography may be more effective for this than X-rays. If asbestos exposure is suspected, a lung biopsy can confirm asbestos exposure.
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Step 5
Undergo supportive therapy to relieve the symptoms because there is no curative treatment for asbestosis. Therapeutic methods to remove secretions from the lungs include chest percussion, postural drainage and vibration.
