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Signs of Asbestos-Related Illness

Asbestos-related illnesses are scary. That's because there are no early symptoms of being affected by the material. It can take up to 40 years for some people to exhibit any symptoms of asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, they often mimic other diseases and may be overlooked.

  1. Initial Symptoms

    • The problem with diagnosing asbestos-related illnesses early is that the symptoms are similar to those of other types of diseases. Shortness of breath, persistent coughing and chest pain will not identify the problem as being asbestos-related. Weight loss and aching joints are pretty much the same; they're the types of symptoms that many people experience as they start to get older.

    More Serious Indicators

    • Other symptoms might stand out more, especially if it is known that a person worked around asbestos. Your skin might take on a bluish tint, indicating problems with oxygen getting into the blood. Coughing up blood is always a sign that something is seriously wrong. Another sign is an anomaly known as "clubbing," where either the toenails or fingernails start turning into the skin. Bowel obstruction is also a potential sign.

    Asbestosis

    • Asbestosis is caused by scarring of the lung tissue after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are similar to emphysema, and it might be difficult for physicians to determine which of these diseases is the cause, especially if the patient smokes. A chest X-ray or CT scan of the lungs is necessary to make the determination. There is no cure for asbestosis, but treatment can help alleviate its symptoms.

    Mesothelioma

    • Mesothelioma is the major disease created by asbestos inhalation. It is a form of lung cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a thin lining over the lungs, heart, abdomen and other organs. The mesothelium in the lungs, or pleura, is what's most often affected by asbestos. However, mesothelioma has been found in the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium, which lines the heart. There is no cure for mesothelioma.

    Be Cautious

    • The problem with asbestos-related diseases is that it takes so long for symptoms to manifest. This means that by the time the major diseases are diagnosed, it's often too late to do much about them. If you're unsure whether you're being exposed to asbestos, have the area examined for asbestos or lead dust. If you know you will be exposed to asbestos, wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth. And make sure your physician notes your exposure to asbestos in your medical charts, because it might help make a diagnosis earlier.

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