What are the symptoms of asbestos?
Asbestos is typically found in insulation materials, in tiles and in other building materials. It occurs naturally and is a fibrous mineral. However, exposure to asbestos dust can be very serious. Read on to learn all about the different symptoms associated with exposure to asbestos.
What are asbestos symptoms?
Although most types of asbestos (such as blue asbestos) have now been banned in the UK, it was commonly used during the 1970s as a form of insulation. Most building surveys done prior to purchasing a property wil check for asbestos in the roof, due to its serious toxicity and risks of exposure. Asbestos symptoms While asbestos is rarely used nowadays, many people are only now suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos in their employment. This is because you do not tend to see any symptoms in people until between 25-40 years following asbestos exposure. There is a greater likelihood that a person will go on to develop health complications if the level of asbestos exposure was larger and for lengthy periods of time. There are several symptoms associated with exposure to asbestos, including as follows: shortness of breath when exerting oneself and later when at rest, tiredness, cough, chest pain and tightness. One rare cancer only caused from exposure to asbestos is mesothelioma.
Treatment for asbestosis
Unfortunately, partly due to the lengthy time between exposure to asbestos and symptoms first being exhibited, it is not possible to cure asbestos exposure, known as asbestosis. However, those suffering from asbestos exposure can stop the condition from worsening by ensuring that no further exposure takes place. Asbestosis treatment While no cure exists for asbestosis, it is still important to seek medical help if you recognise the above symptoms in yourself or in a family member or loved one. As identified by Dr Robert Hicks for BBC Health, a doctor will use a chest X-ray, as well as lung function tests to make a positive diagnosis and may prescribe various types of medications which are used to help to relieve some of the symptoms that sufferers may experience as a result of exposure to asbestos. In the case of those who are as a result suffering from significant or severe dufficulties with their breathing, oxygen may be given.