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- What is asbestosis?
- Symptoms of asbestosis
- Causes of asbestosis
- Prevention of asbestosis
- Risk factors for asbestosis
- Complications of asbestosis
- When to see a doctor about asbestosis
- Diagnosis of asbestosis
- Conventional treatment of asbestosis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of asbestosis
- Living with asbestosis
- Caring for someone with asbestosis
Asbestosis can cause a number of very serious and life threatening complications:
- Lung cancer - exposure to asbestos and having asbestosis increases the risk of lung cancer, but for people who smoke as well, the risk is significantly increased
- Malignant mesothelioma - this is a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura) or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is linked directly to asbestos exposure, although there are thought to be some people who develop this disease and who may not have had asbestosis. Mesothelioma can usually develop around 30 years after asbestos exposure
- Pleural disease - the lining of the lungs may be affected, in a non-malignant way in people who have had asbestos exposure. While this condition is not life threatening, it is serious, as it can cause fluid build-up around the lungs, which may be the first sign of an asbestos-related injury to the lungs. Pleural disease can cause shortness of breath, scar tissue around the lungs, plural calcification which may look like a tumour and some bleeding around the lungs
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A number of other cancers have been linked to asbestosis:
- Cancer of the larynx (voice box)
- Cancer of the esophagus
- Cancer of the gallbladder
- Cancer of the kidneys
- Cancer of the upper throat (oropharynx)
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< 5: risk factors 7: when to see a doctor > Last reviewed: 27 October 2007 || Last updated: 15 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
