Mortality of asbestosis

[Dolly]

Is there a statistic on the life expectancy of someone with asbestosis that is on oxygen 24/7?  Is there a source of printed material on this?  I find that asbestosis is pretty much a disease that is considered one of the past.

[sandyr]

"I find that asbestosis is pretty much a disease that is considered one of the past."   NOT TRUE!

Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive inflammation of the lung. Asbestos inhaled fibers penetrate the breathing passages and lung tissue. The lungs become inflamed and scar lung tissue develops. In advanced asbestosis, the lungs shrink, stiffen, and become honeycombed (riddled with tiny holes).

Considerable controversy exists concerning the topic of asbestosis and lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with heavy asbestos exposure, and asbestosis is an indicator of high exposure; however, a significant number of lung cancers develop in the absence of radiologic asbestosis.

Occupational exposure is the most common cause of asbestosis, but the condition also strikes people who inhale asbestos fiber (office workers and school children) who are exposed to renovation, demolition and waste products from plants near their homes. Family members can develop the disease as a result of inhaling particles of asbestos fibers that cling to workers' clothes or circulate within that family member vehicle.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to help patients breathe more easily, prevent colds and other respiratory infections, and control complications associated with advanced disease.

Regular exercise helps maintain and improve lung capacity.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection. Aspirin or acetominophen (Tylenol) can relieve minor discomfort and bronchodilators that are swallowed or inhaled can relax and widen breathing passages.

You should be under doctor care and I suggest you seek a law firm that is familiar with asbestos litigation.

[Mema239]

A related discussion, Asthma and Chest Pain was started.