Mesothelioma is the number one known illness caused by asbestos exposure. It is the illness that we see all over the media. However, many different illnesses stem from asbestos exposure. Asbestos Abatement Services has a list of illnesses and the symptoms that accompany them. Below we will go over each illness.
Benign Asbestos Pleural Effusions
Pleural Effusions caused by asbestos exposure is caused by fluid buildup in the parietal and visceral pleura. You begin to see symptoms of pleural effusions within a decade of asbestos exposure. If they are left untreated, they can turn into pleural thickening.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Diffuse Pleural thickening is somewhat more severe than pleural effusions, as the visceral pleura thickens, it can cause restriction of lung capacity and lung use. The most common symptom is pleural thickening is shortness of breath.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural plaques normally show no symptoms and are one of the more common illnesses of asbestos exposure. They are not cancerous but cause thickening in the lungs. Pleural plaques happen around 30 years after asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques are known to cause severe respiratory problems that can cause more severe illnesses.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos exposure. Lung tissue will scar and cause symptoms such as shortness of breath. Asbestosis is a very common illness from asbestos exposure.
The above illnesses usually have the same symptoms listed below:
• Swelling
• Coughing
• Respiratory Problems
• Trouble Breathing
• Tightening of Chest
While the above asbestos-related illnesses are not as severe as Mesothelioma or Lung cancer, they can still cause major health problems. If there is a chance you have been exposed to asbestos, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you have any of the above symptoms get checked out, as they can lead to more severe respiratory problems.
