Diagnosis

Asbestosis

Usually, asbestos particles are inhaled into the lungs by workers who have been exposed to the substances in large quantities. The body will respond to the fibers by attacking them which will form fibrosis. This is usually found through a chest x-ray, or CT Scan. In addition your doctor will listen to you breathe and may hear a crackling noise while inhaling, and exhaling.

While discussing symptoms with a patient, a physician will ask questions about the individuals history and exposure to asbestos. In some cases patients have no recollection of contact with asbestos. If the patient is still being exposed to asbestos, they should immediately remove themselves from the environment.

Asbestosis is a respiratory disease. Advanced cases may lead to pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac failure. The earlier the stage diagnosed, the higher a patients chance of survival.