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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 is initially diagnosed through the following tests:
- Medical history - the doctor will ask a series of questions about the symptoms; when did they start, how severe and how long the duration. Your doctor will also ask if you smoke and if you have had any known exposure to asbestos in the past
- Physical examination - the doctor will usually perform a simple examination of the lungs, to determine if there are any abnormal "noises" when you breath, if there is any wheezing , if lung capacity is markedly reduce in any way or if there are any other lung problems
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Other tests that can be used to diagnose asbestosis are:
- CT scan - a CT (computerised tomography) scan is used when an x-ray is normal, but symptoms point to asbestosis. The CT scan can help to better rule out other disorders and help to diagnose asbestosis, but the CT scan may still show normal lung function even when asbestosis is suspected
- Lung function test - a lung function test is used to test the capacity of the lungs, to determine if there has been any reduction in capacity of the lungs. The lung function tests are normally used to diagnose asthma as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis)
- Sputum test - in this test, the sputum (fluid or flegm) from the lungs is analysed to try to detect if there are any asbestos fibres in that fluid
- X-ray - an x-ray is a good initial test to determine if there are any abnormalities in the lining of the lungs, including thickening of the lining of the lungs or any other abnormalities in the lower parts of the lungs. Unfortunately, x-rays can be normal even in a person with asbestosis, so a CT scan may be required
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > 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.
