Asbestosis diagnosis

Diagnosis of asbestosis is largely dependent on a good and accurate clinical history taking. Occupational exposure to asbestosis is critical to the diagnosis. If the patient has had a history with asbestos exposure, then doctors can look for certain signs when listening to your lungs.

An early distinctive feature of asbestos is basal crackles in the lower lungs (a sound that is similar to Velcro opening up), and can be heard by a stethoscope. X-rays are then performed to confirm the diagnosis of asbestosis.

In X-rays photographs, asbestos fibers can be seen as small irregular opacities that look similar to ground glass. These fibers are usually seen in the lower lateral lobes of the lungs. Borders of the heart, particularly the left side may be obscured. X-rays are continually used to track the progress of the disease.