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Asbestos exposure symptoms
One of the most frightening things about the symptoms of asbestos exposure is that they can appear 10, 20 or even 40 years after an individual has been exposed. When clinical symptoms do become apparent, they may closely resemble those related to other health problems. Asbestos exposure symptoms can vary widely from person to person, depending on how long they were exposed for and how much damage the substance has done to their body.
Below are some common symptoms of asbestos exposure:
- Shortness of breath that gets progressively worse
- Wheezing
- Dry cough that worsens over time
- Chest pain
- Dry “crackling” sound in the lungs when inhaling or upon examination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- General fatigue (anemia)
- Failure of the right side of the heart, called cor pulmonale
- Frequent lung infections
- “Clubbing” of the ends of the fingers and toes
- Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the fingers and lips
In cases where individuals have been exposed to very high concentrations of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period of time, symptoms may include the production of sputum, which is mucus that is coughed up from the lungs.
What Factors Affect the Development of These Symptoms?
It is important to understand that being exposed to asbestos does not automatically mean you will develop symptoms of asbestos exposure or get seriously ill. There are a number of factors to be considered in evaluating your risk for asbestos-related health problems. These factors include:
- How long ago you were exposed to asbestos
- Where you were exposed (the source)
- The amount (dose) of asbestos you were exposed to
- The duration (how long) of your exposure
- The frequency of your exposure
- The size, shape and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
- Whether or not you currently smoke cigarettes – asbestos exposure combined with smoking increases your risk for developing lung cancer
- Whether or not you have pre-existing lung conditions or other health problems
Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure?
If you are experiencing any of the asbestos exposure symptoms described above, you may wish to contact your doctor. He or she may recommend a thorough physical examination as well as a chest x-ray or other tests. Using your medical history, symptoms and test results, your doctor will be able to identify early signs of asbestos-related disease and advise you on an appropriate path of medical treatment.
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