What is asbetsosis?

Asbestosis is a type of scarring of the lungs that leads to impaired lung functioning. The condition affects the alveoli. These are the sites at which oxygen is transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream, through a very thin cell wall. Asbestosis scarring causes the walls of the alveoli to thicken over an extended period of time, which reduces their elasticity and the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen. The total lung capacity for oxygen and the total exhalation capacity for carbon dioxide of the patient may be negatively affected as a result.

The impaired lung functioning suffered by an asbestosis patient can be an immense burden felt on a daily basis. In the worst cases, the patient will be unable to take on sufficient oxygen, a fact that reduces their life expectancy.

The causes of asbestosis

The condition is contracted by inhaling asbestos fibres, which become lodged in the lung tissue. Exposure to all forms of airborne asbestos can potentially lead to asbestosis, though blue and brown asbestos fibres are more likely to penetrate the lungs, due to their thin and straight structure. The asbestos fibres that go on to cause asbestosis penetrate deeply, and eventually settle in the alveoli. The presence of these foreign bodies leads to the body starting its defence mechanisms.

The surrounding alveoli tissue swells around the fibres and white blood cells (macrophages) attack the asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos fibres have a natural resistance to this mechanism and usually withstand the attack. This leads to further swelling and the build up of fibrous tissue produced by the white blood cells. The resulting mass is called fibrosis (scarring of the lungs) and leads to the symptoms of asbestosis.

People suffering from asbestosis may be entitled to compensation of up to £67,500 for general damages, plus interest and an award for financial losses and the cost of care.

Usually a significant period of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres is necessary in order to contract asbestosis, although a relatively short period of concentrated exposure can lead to the condition.

Diagnosis and treatment of asbestosis

The latency period (the time between exposure to asbestos fibres and the discovery of symptoms) for asbestosis is typically around 15-20 years. The symptoms develop over the course of many years, usually beginning gradually before becoming more noticeable.

The symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath (initially after physical exertion, but as time goes on this will occur at rest), coughing, chest pain and finger clubbing (where a build-up of fluid in the fingers causes them to swell and redden). In severe cases of asbestosis, the reduction in lung functioning (and thus oxygen in the blood stream) can lead to heart conditions.

Upon hearing of these symptoms, a doctor will generally carry out a chest x-ray and tests to confirm lung function. The chest x-ray or CT scan is a very important step in the diagnosis, usually revealing the presence of asbestosis in the form of irregular dark patches in the lung. The doctor will then ask about previous exposure to asbestos, so that they can rule out other causes. The presence of pleural plaques is useful in diagnosing asbestosis, as this fact makes it more likely that asbestos exposure is the cause of the fibrosis.

There is no cure for asbestosis, though it is vital that once diagnosed, a patient does not come into further contact with asbestos fibres. There are also a number of treatments that can be used to ease the symptoms. Medication (particularly bronchodilators and theophyllines) is usually used to relax the muscles in the lungs, making the inhalation of oxygen easier. In addition, the patient will be vaccinated against conditions such as flu. Asbestosis entails an increased level of susceptibility to such conditions.

In severe cases of asbestosis, the patient will not be getting enough oxygen. Through oxygen therapy, it is possible to increase the concentration of oxygen inhaled by the patient, which can mitigate the inadequate oxygen supply going to the alveoli. This involves inhaling oxygen-rich purified air through a mask.

It is also important that patients give up smoking. Asbestosis is associated with an increased risk of going on to develop conditions such as asbestos-related lung cancer. In the case of lung cancer, this means that the patient is 3 times more likely to go on and develop the cancer. However, if the patient is a smoker, they will be 14 times more likely to develop it at a later stage. Moreover, smoking will aggravate the symptoms of breathlessness felt by sufferers of asbestosis. If you are a smoker and have been diagnosed with asbestosis, speak to your doctor about help in giving up.

What next?

If you are concerned about your health and have previously been exposed to asbestos, it is important that you visit your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you may be considering a compensation claim. Often, asbestos industrial diseases are the result of an employer or other party negligently dealing with asbestos materials, leading to the release of asbestos fibres. Humphreys & Co. Solicitors have a proven track record in winning compensation on behalf of asbestosis patients. We have decades of success representing the victims of asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and other conditions. Please contact us today to find out your best way forward.