A rare yet serious lung condition, asbestosis is an incurable disease that can even be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. The disease can affect anyone who’s been exposed to asbestos, especially affecting those who worked in construction between the 1950s and 1990s.

If you are such a person, or have ever been potentially exposed to asbestos, and are worried that you may have asbestosis, then keep reading to learn more about the symptoms it presents as.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestos is a serious chronic lung disease whereby the tissue of your lungs become inflamed and scarred over time (making it a type of pulmonary fibrosis) due to prolonged exposure to asbestos; it occurs as a result of asbestos fibres being inhaled.

The disease is incurable, however there are treatments that can help sufferers of asbestosis manage their symptoms.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

There are a number of that indicate you could have asbestosis. These include:

• Shortness of breath (that gets worse over time)
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Extreme tiredness
• Chest pain or tightness
• Swollen fingertips (in more advanced cases)

Onset of Symptoms

Asbestosis is a condition that worsens the longer it’s left untreated, meaning it can take up to 20 or 30 years after initial asbestos exposure before symptoms even present themselves.

In some cases, symptoms may not appear at all.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life and are showing symptoms of asbestosis, then it’s important to see your GP. They will likely ask you about your work history and listen to your lungs; if they think asbestosis could be a possibility, then they may refer you to a lung disease specialist to carry out more tests.

These tests could include:

• Chest X-ray
• CT scan of the lungs
• Lung function tests



If it’s determined that you do have asbestosis, then your symptoms may be managed through pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and/or an inhaler. It’s also recommended that you get the flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to reduce your chance of getting an infection that can affect your lungs. It’s also advised to quit smoking if you’re a smoker, as this can worsen your symptoms and further increase the risk of lung cancer.

Local Asbestos RemovAL

As you can see, exposure to asbestos, especially prolonged exposure, can be detrimental to your health. As such, it’s important that asbestos is appropriately handled with care and expertise. That’s where our asbestos experts come in here at Gowrie Contracts.

With over 30 years of experience, we offer professional asbestos services that you can rely on. Get in touch with us today to arrange the safe removal of asbestos in your home or building.