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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Asbestosis

Asbestosis

Provided by A.D.A.M.

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Alternate Names : Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonitis - from Asbestos Exposure, Pulmonary Fibrosis - from Asbestos Exposure


Definition

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally. The severity of the disease depends upon the duration of exposure to asbestos and the amount inhaled.

Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occurs in asbestos mining and milling industries, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. In families of asbestos workers, exposure can also occur from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.

Asbestos-related disease includes pleural plaques (calcification), malignant mesothelioma, and pleural effusion. Mesotheliomas may develop 20 to 40 years after exposure. More than 9 million workers are at risk of developing this disease.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing the disease. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.



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Definition
Asbestosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Asbestosis Symptoms & Signs
Asbestosis Prevention
Asbestosis Diagnosis & Tests
Asbestosis Treatment
Asbestosis Prognosis
Asbestosis Complications
Asbestosis Support Groups
Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Diseases & Conditions

Mesothelioma (Malignant)
Pleural Effusion

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ACE Levels
Chest X-Ray
Pulmonary Function Tests
Thoracic CT

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Auscultation
Breathing Difficulty
Chest Pain
Clubbing of the Fingers or Toes
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Lung Disease - Resources
Nail Abnormalities
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Respiratory
Stress and Anxiety

Review Date : 5/7/2003
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Page Last Updated: 08 Jan, 2009