Background
Asbestos is a type of mineral that occurs in nature. It is typically found as a component of rock formations. Historically, it was used in a variety of products, particularly insulation. This was due, in part, to the fact that asbestos does not burn or conduct electricity and heat. Its widespread use as a construction material also stemmed from how easily it could be manipulated into a variety of shapes and forms. Beginning in the 1960s, it became increasingly clear that exposure to high levels of asbestos fibers increased the risk of developing a wide variety of conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Pre-Early Stage
Of particular interest here, asbestosis is a condition in which asbestos fibers have been inhaled and become lodged in the inner lung tissue where the alveoli are located. The alveoli are the part of the lung in which a large portion of blood oxygenation occurs. When the asbestos fibers become lodged in this part of the lungs, the body tries to remove the fibers with macrophages (immune cells designed handle foreign particles in the body). The macrophages are not capable of removing the fibers and the attempt creates scar tissue in the lungs. Unfortunately, as long as the fibers remain, the macrophages will continue to try to remove them and create more scar tissue. The development of scar tissue is the true early stage asbestosis, but until symptoms develop or scar tissue can be detected in the lungs, it is effectively pre-early stage asbestosis.
Early Stage Asbestosis
By the time scar tissue is detectable in the lungs by means of an X-ray, symptoms of early stage asbestosis have probably developed. The most prominent symptom is shortness of breath following some form of exertion. As a symptom, it is a poor indicator because shortness of breath can be a symptom of much less dangerous conditions, such as being out of shape. Other indicators may include a dry cough, tiredness or wheezing.
Middle Stage Asbestosis
By the time the middle stage of asbestosis is reached, the damage in the lungs has progressed considerable. MRI examinations may reveal a honeycomb effect in the lungs when viewed in a cross-section. The shortness of breath will be more persistent and may occur even if there is no exertion. Other symptoms that may appear include clubbed fingers, tightness in the chest and damaged fingernails.
Late Stage Asbestosis
In late stage asbestosis, there is excessive damage to the lungs which may lead to a variety of symptoms. These can include coughing up blood, chest pains and swelling in the extremities. Due to the stress that asbestosis places on the body in general and the heart specifically, heart failure can occur. It is also possible that other conditions brought about by asbestos exposure (lung cancer or mesothelioma) may develop in the late stage of asbestosis.
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