How to Treat Asbestosis

Asbestosis is an inflammation of the lungs brought on by long-term exposure to asbestos particles. Generally symptoms begin to appear long after the damage to your lungs has occurred. For the most part that damage is irreversible, so treating it is designed to relieve symptoms and prevent lung infection rather than cure the condition. Unfortunately at this time, asbestosis is considered to be incurable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Asbestosis greatly increases your chances of developing lung cancer. If you smoke, you are very likely to develop tumors on your lungs.

2. Get flu and pneumonia vaccines every year to help ward off influenza and respiratory infections. The scarring on your lungs caused by the asbestosis makes breathing difficult and an infection could lead to serious complications.

3. Use a portable oxygen tank at home to keep your blood oxygen at acceptable levels and make breathing easier.

4. Undergo a treatment to drain fluid from around your lungs if necessary. If fluid builds, it will make breathing very difficult so removing it will provide relief.

5. Attempt to get a lung transplant if the asbestosis is severe. Though treatments exist to relieve symptoms of mild cases, they will do little for the extremely severe cases. This type of surgery is expensive and bears a level of risk, but it may be the best option in some cases.

Tips & Warnings

• Asbestosis increases the chance of developing lung cancer. Get checkups often so your doctor can monitor your lungs and keep an eye out for tumors.
• With no known cures for this condition, prevention is the best option. Wear masks when working around asbestos and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

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[peterpan56]

on 5/7/2008 Several good points about treating asbestosis. There are several drugs that can help treat the symptoms in even severe cases. Keeping the airways clear and inflammation in the lungs down is important. If you have asbestosis your doctor will work with you on which drugs can help you the best.
http://health-pictures.com/Asbestosis.htm