Asbestosis mesothelioma is a work related lung disease like the mesothelioma cancer. It affects the parenchyma tissue of the lungs. Over exposure to asbestos is the reason behind the disease. Here the parenchymal tissues permanently remain sore and irritable as a result of which dyspnea or shortness of breath occurs. There is increased possibility of contracting lung cancer also. In this case plaque would form above the diaphragm due to over exposure to asbestos. This will be revealed in X-ray tests.

Breathing difficulty is the primary symptom of asbestosis mesothelioma and the persons who are seriously infected may become victims of total respiratory failure. It normally takes more than ten years for the disease to show up after the asbestos exposure. At the same time recognized cases are there where the disease became noticeable with in three months. Mainly there are two types of asbestos particles, namely amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole is thin and straight whereas serpentine is curved. The amphibole ones are responsible for asbestosis as they can go deep into the lungs through inhalation and injure lung tissues around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

Once the fibers reach the air sacs of alveoli, the place where oxygen is routed into the blood, they provoke the lung’s inherent immune system into getting inflamed in a bid to expel the foreign body. The body releases macrophages to get the intruder digested, but as asbestos is indigestible, the macrophages die resulting in release of cytokines, which further attract more macrophages. This excess accumulation results in thickening of alveolar walls thereby reducing elasticity and diffusion of gas and thus results in hindering oxygen transfer into the blood.

The patients who are seriously affected may experience inspiratory crackles and clubbing of fingers. It may not be a fatal disease, but can in turn result in severe medical problems like heart failure. In about half of the asbestosis patients, plaque is developed in the chest and lung cavities.

The disease has no treatment for a complete cure presently, but administering regular oxygen therapy at home can relieve breathing problems. Chest percussion, respiratory physiotherapy, vibration and nebulization are also utilized to attenuate secretions causing shortness of breath. Like mesothelioma patients, asbestosis patients are also entitled for compensation from their erstwhile employers.

If you enjoyed this write up about Mesothelioma Cancer, then you should check out this curious site dealing with epithelial mesothelioma.