Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease that causes scarring of the lungs. This scarring makes it hard for lungs to get oxygen into the blood. It restricts breathing and leads to smaller lung volume. Asbestosis is not a cancer.

Signs and symptoms of asbestosis include:

shortness of breath (the primary symptom)

a persistent and productive cough that expels mucus

chest tightness

chest pain

loss of appetite

a dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling

Asbestosis generally progresses slowly, but the rate can vary greatly from one patient to another. Breathing can become more difficult as the symptoms progress over time. Lung tissues and the lining of the chest wall can change from the thinness and elasticity of a balloon to the thickness and hardness of an orange peel.

People with asbestosis may require aggressive medical care, including frequent use of antibiotics, when warranted, for any respiratory infection. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath becomes worse. After awhile, a person may require supplemental oxygen to carry out daily activities. The end result of the disease is lung and heart failure.