Asbestosis / Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with a chainlike crystalline structure. Usually found mixed into other minerals, asbestos is dangerous only if its broken crystal fibers float in the air after being disturbed.

Asbestos has been mined and used for more than 100 years. However, extraction and use reached enormous levels throughout the developed world from 1950 until the mid seventies. Pipe insulation, automotive brakes, shingles, wallboard, residential and commercial insulation are just a few of the products that once contained asbestos. The federal government suspended production of most asbestos products in the 1970s. However, use of asbestos-containing products continued through the late 1970s and even into the early 1980s.

What Are The Health Effects?

Asbestosis

Asbestos fibers can have serious effects on your health if inhaled. There is no known safe exposure to asbestos. Asbestos inhalation can cause Asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs that leads to breathing problems and heart failure. Workers who manufacture or use asbestos products and have high exposures to asbestos are often affected with Asbestosis.

The main symptoms are increasing breathlessness, coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Asbestosis may so damage the function of the lungs that the condition progresses to respiratory (breathing) failure. At this stage the oxygen supply to the body is so poor that the patient is continuously breathless and has blue-tinged skin (cyanosis) even when at rest in bed. Once the disease reaches that stage, exertion of any kind is impossible and death from the disease is inevitable.

Mesothelioma

Asbestos inhalation can also cause Mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen lining. It may be linked to cancer of the stomach, intestines, and rectum, as well. The amount of time between exposure to asbestos and the first signs of disease can be as much as 30 years. It is known that smokers exposed to asbestos have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer than just from smoking alone.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, Mesothelioma symptoms can appear to be rather non-specific in its early stages. The disease presents itself in many forms, and accordingly, symptoms may vary. In its early stages, Mesothelioma does not have many symptoms. The cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ often causes symptoms to develop. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Pleural Mesothelioma in its earliest form may resemble viral pneumonia.

Symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Chest or back pain
Persistent cough
A hoarse or husky voice
Difficulty Swallowing
Fever and sweating
General fatigue
Loss of weight
Loss of appetite

Pleural effusion, a fluid buildup between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, may also occur.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms Include:

Abdominal pain
Swelling in the abdomen
Nausea and/or vomiting
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
General fatigue
Diarrhea or constipation

Any Questions?

If you think that you may have been exposed to any amount of loose asbestos in any degree, no matter how long ago, see your doctor. No matter where you live, if you or someone you know are diagnosed with Asbestosis or Mesothelioma, and you would like for us to provide a free evaluation of your potential claim please call us today at 1-(800)- 779-4950. Or, if you prefer, email us at Info@Ogletreeabbott.com and we will contact you right away. Call today and let us help you with your asbestosis and mesothelioma claims.