Asbestosis is just one of the many diseases associated with asbestos exposure. The asbestos-related disease is especially dangerous because it can take years or decades to develop within an individual who as been exposed to asbestos fibers.
If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of asbestosis. Here are just a few:
- shortness of breath
- tightness in chest
- persistent cough with mucus
- chest pain
- appetite loss
Symptoms are also often mistaken for other respiratory ailments for years, making it difficult to treat the condition when a correct diagnosis is finally made. Alerting your doctor to any past asbestos exposure and the possibility of a future diagnosis will help them more accurately monitor your health.
Other symptoms to watch out for include finger clubbing, or enlarged fingertips, and nail deformities.
Many of those diagnosed with asbestosis are workers who have suffered prolonged exposure at their place of work. If you work in a trade at-risk for asbestos exposure, you are also at risk for asbestosis.
Source: Healthline.com
