Symptoms of Asbestos Recognizing the signs of asbestos can be crucial in diagnosing asbestosis and mesothelioma. Fortunately, there are extremely useful tips to help you determine if you are at risk of developing these conditions. Listed below are a few of the principal symptoms of asbestosis Mesothelioma-related symptoms Because they resemble other diseases, symptoms of mesothelioma could be confusing. They can also be misinterpreted as other more serious illnesses. There are a variety of ways to determine if you're suffering from mesothelioma. A timely diagnosis is the best way for you to avoid complications and improve your prognosis. In certain cases, you may even be able to obtain treatment that will allow you to live longer. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma can be described as shortness of breath, a cough and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include weight loss, abdominal swelling, and gastric bloating. The symptoms are directly related to the site of the tumor however, they can vary from person to person. There are two primary types of mesothelioma. The first is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. It affects the membrane that surrounds the lung. This type of cancer usually occurs following asbestos exposure. The second type is called peritoneal cancer. It occurs in the linings of the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include a dry cough, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal pain. If you're diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma, the best method to determine an accurate diagnosis is to see your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate you during your appointment and will take a thorough history. They will then conduct an examination to find out if you have any of the mesothelioma symptoms that are listed above. In some cases, your doctor may also require an xray of your chest in order to look for any abnormalities. The x-ray may also be capable of detecting the presence of fluid within your lungs. Inform your doctor if have been exposed. They will be interested in knowing your work background and the frequency you have been exposed to asbestos. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma higher in those with an ancestor with the disease. Speak to your doctor should you suspect that you've been exposed. This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of asbestos exposure or decreasing your chance of getting it back home. You can also avoid having a second diagnosis by being sure that any new symptoms you experience are reported to your doctor. A CT scan can also help to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. It can show if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. The treatment plan for mesothelioma will depend on the stage of the disease. In general, treatments for mesothelioma consist of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Immunotherapy, a type of treatment that targets cancerous cells could be an option. Participation in clinical trials is also possible. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be qualified to receive compensation from asbestos companies. The money you receive can be used for your medical bills. It can also be used for legal representation to protect your rights as a mesothelioma patient. The signs of asbestosis Asbestosis symptoms can vary in severity but include chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing. Although it can be difficult to diagnose however, there are a range of tests that can be used to determine the severity. These tests help determine the extent of damage to the lungs. If asbestosis is diagnosed early, treatment may improve the quality of life of the patient. In more severe cases surgery may be required to remove the lung tissue that has been damaged by asbestos. Breathing problems are often the first indication of asbestosis. This is most noticeable when a person is in physical activities. If the symptoms persist it could lead to complications such as lung and heart failure. A CT scan or chest xray can be used to identify scarring in the lung. A pulmonary function test may be used to determine how much air a person is able to inhale. A doctor will monitor your breathing using a stethoscope to hear crackles. Asbestosis may also cause difficulties swallowing as well as weight loss, and swelling of the neck. These symptoms can be caused by fluid accumulating around the lungs. They may also impact your appetite. A CT scan is a specific Xray machine which can be used to conduct a thorough examination of the lungs. This kind of imaging can detect asbestos fibers in the lung. It's not uncommon for people who suffer from asbestosis to require oxygen therapy to breathe easily. Other treatments include diet modifications and exercises to improve the condition. Asbestosis may lead to the formation of a malignant tumour in the lining of your lungs in more severe cases. If this occurs it is recommended by a physician to have lung transplant surgery. However, this option is very rare and requires extensive testing. A lung transplant typically prolong the life of the patient but the patient must modify their lifestyle to prevent the spread of infection or worsening of the condition. Patients with advanced asbestosis may have to limit their physical activity and quit smoking to relieve their symptoms. They also have to stop any asbestos exposure. Asbestos is an incredibly dangerous substance that can be deadly. There are few treatments available for asbestosis. People will have to endure the symptoms until a cure is discovered. The symptoms can be similar to other lung diseases like chronic pulmonary obstruction. If a doctor suspects that someone is suffering from asbestosis, he or she will inquire about the exposure of the patient to asbestos. They will also want to learn about the individual's past work history. If the person worked in the manufacturing or construction industries, they may have been exposed to asbestos. This is important because asbestos can cause lung infections which can lead to more severe asbestosis or lung cancer. Diagnosis It is essential to recognize the symptoms of asbestosis. This is a typical illness caused by breathing asbestos dust. Scarring can occur when lungs are exposed to small amounts of asbestos. The scarring could affect the ability of the lungs to expand and contract. This can cause shortness of breath and other lung problems. This can be addressed with oxygen supplemental therapy or an oxygen delivery device. People who work with asbestos and those who reside near demolition sites could be at risk of developing asbestosis. If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, you should have a chest x-ray or CT scan to determine whether there is any damage. If the x-ray shows no evidence of asbestos, you might not be suffering from asbestosis. If you do experience any symptoms of asbestosis, it is recommended to consult an expert as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask questions regarding your medical history, your current symptoms and other pertinent information to determine whether asbestos is a problem. They will also perform a physical exam. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might recommend an appointment with a pulmonologist. They will then order the CT scan of your chest or lung function tests. They will also request copies from any imaging tests you have had previously. Asbestos can cause a number of lung diseases, including mesothelioma as well as lung cancer. You could experience a persistent cough, weight loss and chronic breathlessness. There is also the possibility of developing the appearance of clubbed fingers. Depending on the severity and extent of your condition, surgery could be required to remove the affected area. Surgery to remove the affected region can help you breathe better and increase your lifespan. Pulmonary Fibrosis is the most common form of asbestos disease. The condition is characterized by small irregular opacities of the lung fields. In addition to the typical chest radiographs you may also hear "crackles" or other unusual sounds as your doctor evaluates your lungs using the Stethoscope. Doctors make use of chest x-rays to identify asbestos-related diseases. The xray will reveal scarring in the lungs. Some bronchioles might be affected by scarring. It may also make it more difficult for the lungs to get oxygen from blood. A CT scan is a specific xray machine that measures the cross-section of your body. The CT scan can also be done on an open-air table, which can provide high resolution images of the pleura as well as the alveoli. It can help you determine the kind of lung disease you have and help determine whether or not you are suffering from asbestosis. Asbestosis and lung diseases should be informed to your doctor as soon as you begin to feel symptoms. Your provider will be able to determine the extent of your exposure and may refer you to a pulmonologist or specialist in lung disease.