Asbestos Exposure

I'm a 50 y/o male and over the last year have begun having a non-productive chest cough.  Initially I thought this was related to a cold... but the cough stays even when colds come or go.  I also have shortness of breath... but have typically attributed this to the fact I live at 6300 ft (altitude) in Colorado and a lack of a strong exercise program.

During a recent health screen a health tech noted that I needed to breath more deeply as she listened with a stethescope to my lungs and noted my right lung seemed to have some limited exchange of air.  All in all the health screen went fine and there was no follow-up required.

From ages 18 - 41 I served on Active Duty with the United States Air Force.  A portion of this time was spent in Ankara, Turkey.  During the 30 months I spent in Turkey (ages: 25 - 27) I worked in for a approximately 18 months in a Turkish Army facility in a secure basement (underground area).  For approximately 7 months of this period a major renovation took place around us (myself and other staff).  I recall conversations where we talked about asbestos abatement and the fact abatement procedures were not required by the Turkish government... yet we remained in place.. during the entire renovation.

Each day there was constantly thick dust in the air and at least 5 - 6 times each day we would need to clean the dust from our desks and even shake out papers in file baskets to clear the accumulation.  Even our clothing would get dusty just from sitting at our desks.  

During this time we typically worked a 10 hour day for 5 - 6 days per week.  At the end of my assignment I was told by USAF medical authorities that those working in this area had been exposed to asbestos and that the information was noted in our military medical records in the event there were every issues in the future.

My question is coming... I'm certainly not a coal miner and have only had this one exposure throughout my entire life.  Over the years, I've had MRIs for back problems... and have always assumed if there was ever an issue with this asbestos issue I'd either have symptoms or it would show itself through some other tests or blood work... which it never has.

Would my chronic cough and shortness of breath warrant concern for something like asbestosis or mesothelioma... or was my exposure 23 - 25 years ago too short a duration to be of concern.  I have no knowledge of the effect this may have had on my co-workers during that period as we've lost touch.

[Londres70]

I would have this further investigated especially if you are certain you were exposed to asbestos.  

Any imaging of your lungs taken?  i.e. simple chest x-ray, CT?

[coloradoman981]

No imaging of lungs specifically... but assumed from the MRIs (from the bottom of my spine to my head - for back problem) I had done several years ago they would have noted anything abnormal

[Londres70]

I wouldn't assume a problem with the lungs would show up on an MRI for your spine.  

How long ago was this MRI done?

[coloradoman981]

About 28 months ago.

[Londres70]

You need a chest x-ray done and go from there.  

Health tech?  Is this a physician?  I am assuming it is not.  Please consult a physician about this and request a chest x-ray.  

You should be concerned.  

[coloradoman981]

Thank you.