10 Things You Need to Know About Asbestosis

If you've heard the term asbestosis, but don't know what it is, then here's what you need to know.

1. Asbestosis is a respiratory illness that affects the lungs. It's not always obvious, as the symptoms are similar to aging, and being overweight.

2. It can take around 15 - 20 years for asbestosis to develop, and so it's affecting many older people, who may think that their symptoms are just a sign that they are getting old.

3. Most foreign objects that are breathed in are broken down by microphages, before they reach the lungs. Unfortunately, asbestos can't be broken down easily. The method the microphages use to break down asbestos, causes damage to the alveoli, which then leads to breathing problems, as the lungs are damaged.

4. Early symptoms of asbestos include generally feeling unwell, and out of sorts. You might be short of breath after light exercise. You might also have a dry cough too.

5. As the disease progresses, you might be even more short of breath, and start to have chest pains. Another sign of asbestosis is you're your fingers start to deform, which indicates that oxygen isn't being exchanged efficiently in the blood.

6. The advanced stage of asbestosis includes lots more chest pain. You'll have problems sleeping due to the pain, and being unable to breathe properly. You might need to be reclined in order to breathe. Your hands and feet might start to swell. You might also start coughing up blood. If you are, or were, a smoker, then you might think that your condition is due to smoking.

7. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, then it can usually be kept under control. You'll want to be able to retain some of your independence, and carry on with your life as normal, if you can.

8. Asbestos can also lead to other serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma and cancer. These can prove fatal, and so it's important to seek medical advice if you think that you might have been exposed to asbestos.

9. Asbestos was used in many work and home environments from around 1900 to the 1970s. It affects all sorts of workers, such as shipyard workers, gas fitters, electricians, carpenters, and even those who lived near asbestos factories, or washed the overalls of those workers.

10. If you're suffering from asbestosis, then you can claim compensation. It involves providing a lot of medical and personal information, and you'll need a dedicated firm of asbestos solicitors,rather than normal accident claim solicitors to help you.

Now you know more about asbestosis, and what it can do, if you think you've been exposed to it, or are already suffering, why not see if you could claim compensation from an asbestosis lawyer?

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