Your asbestos exposure may lead to a lung disease diagnosis but early treatment is key.

Are you concerned about receiving a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease?

If you believe that you are currently being exposed to asbestos, you need to stop the exposure and contact your doctor.

If you believe you were exposed to asbestos in the past, you should also contact your doctor, even if you don't have any symptoms of disease.

Your doctor can help determine your potential risk, monitor you for signs of asbestos-related disease, and give the proper diagnosis.

Early detection and treatment of asbestos-related disease can help keep you healthy as long as possible after diagnosis.

After asbestos exposure, your doctor may recommend any of the following:

A chest x-ray to check your lungs and identify any abnormalities or scarring.

Pulmonary function tests, which are simple breathing tests to see how well your lungs are working.

Annual flu shots and a pneumococcal shot to help avoid respiratory infections.

Respiratory infections are more serious if you have an asbestos-associated disease.

stopping smoking. You can reduce your chances of developing lung cancer in cases of asbestos exposure if you quit smoking.

If you start having symptoms of possible asbestos-related disease, your doctor may recommend that you see a lung doctor, a pulmonologist, or other type of specialist, to get the most accurate diagnosis.