Reactive Lung Disease

Reactive lung disease is a specific type of reactive airway disease, a term used to generally describe a condition where the individual experiences asthma-like symptoms after exposure to toxins. The condition is distinctly different from asthma, a chronic respiratory disease where allergic reactions induce wheezing, though sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. The most common types of reactive lung disease are asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer.

Reactive Lung Disease

• Reactive lung disease causes inflammation in the airway and lungs while simultaneously producing mucous. These reactions lead to shortness of breath and wheezing in the individual.

Mesothelioma

• Mesothelioma, a reactive lung disease, is a rare type of aggressive lung cancer. Mesothelioma is usually caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral fiber that was used in the construction of houses and buildings prior to the 1980s. There are two types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the chest cavity; and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include coughing, sleeping difficulty, fever, chest pain, lower back pain, fluid in the chest cavity, loss of appetite, weight loss, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tiredness and trouble swallowing. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include stomach pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

Asbestosis

• Asbestosis, a reactive lung disease, is similar to mesothelioma and is often referred to as a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. Like meothelioma, asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis is distinguished from other fibrotic disease by the presence of asbestos fibers in the lung tissues, lymph nodes and other organs. The fibrosis cripples the lung's ability to expand and exchange oxygen. This condition, commonly referred to as "stiff lung," reduces overall volume and capacity in the lungs. Individuals with asbestosis usually breathe more rapidly as a result of the diminished lung capacity. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath (dyspnea), dry cough and clubbing of the fingers.

Warning

• Leaving any reactive lung disease untreated may result in long-term damage or death. It is important to talk to your doctor about any breathing difficulties you experience. Additionally, if you worked in construction that used asbestos, you may have a legal claim against your former employer. Contact an asbestos lawyer about your potential claim for more information.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the type and severity of the reactive lung disease. Individuals with mild, asthma-like symptoms may be given asthma medication to help keep airways open. Regular exercise is also recommended for patients to help improve lung strength and capacity. Patients with asbestosis or mesothelioma may be given medication to prevent respiratory infections or undergo surgery to remove damaged sections of the lung or cancerous tumors. Fluid in or around the lungs may also be removed. Oxygen therapy at home is typically necessary for all types of reactive lung disease. In rare circumstances, individuals may undergo a lung transplant. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is inherently fatal, but patients can and do live with other reactive lung diseases such as asbestosis.