Asbestos Attorney
What is Asbestosis?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has dangerous and toxic long fibers. When these fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious damage to the lungs, usually in the form of mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. In fact, because of similar causes and symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between these conditions.
Asbestosis is a medical condition that affects the parenchymal tissue of a person’s lungs. The most common symptom is a gradual onset of shortness of breath that manifests itself with physical exertion. In very severe cases, asbestosis can either lead to respiratory failure or can develop into lung cancer.
At Risk for Asbestosis
Individuals who have worked in fields such as mining, manufacturing, or handling / removing of asbestos have a heightened chance of developing asbestosis, as it is generally considered to be an occupational disease that affects only those individuals who have had exposure to asbestos. This is one of the main differences between asbestosis and mesothelioma, as mesothelioma has been found to occur in individuals with as little as 1-3 months of exposure to asbestos.
Treatment / Therapy Options
As is the case with mesothelioma, there is no cure for asbestosis. However, there are a number of treatment options that can help temporarily reduce the discomfort and breathing problems affecting victims of asbestosis.
The most common treatment option is oxygen therapy that patients can do in the comfort of their own homes. This therapy is often used to relieve the shortness of breath that is the trademark of asbestosis. Additionally, nebulized medications can be used to help dilute secretions and respiratory physiotherapy can help remove secretions from a person’s lungs.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestosis, contact the asbestos attorneys of Williams Kherkher today at 800-781-3955 to discuss your legal rights
