Asbestos is the name of a group of naturally occurring minerals which are heat resistant and do not conduct electricity. Because of these properties, prior to the 1970s it was commonly used in commercial products such as building materials. Asbestos consists of bundles of fibers and these fibers separate easily, become airborne and can then be inhaled. Asbestos fibers cannot be broken down by the body, and once inhaled they can cause damage to the lungs. There are a variety of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma (a rare form of lung disease) and lung cancer. Since the symptoms of asbestos disease are not specific, it is important to reveal any asbestos exposure to the doctor to help reach a definitive diagnosis.
Shortness of Breath
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they travel into the nose or mouth, through the trachea to the bronchi, which are the air passages that lead into the lungs. The fibers are too large to be trapped by the hairs in the nose or the cilia (tiny hairs) that line the bronchi. Once in the lungs the asbestos fibers settle into the alveoli, the millions of tiny air sacs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood.
The alveoli contain macrophages, a type of white blood cells, which help to protect the body against foreign invaders. The macrophages try to engulf the fibers to remove them from the lungs; however, the fibers are too large, allowing fluids released by the macrophages to leak into the lung tissue.
The result of this chain of events is that the alveoli are damaged and become inflamed. Over time scar tissue forms which reduces the alveoli’s ability to exchange the gases which, according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic, causes shortness of breath. The shortness of breath usually begins during times of exertion, but will eventually occur even at times of rest.
Fatigue
Because the lung capacity is diminished due to the damage to the alveoli, there is less oxygen available for the blood. Oxygen is fuel for the cells in the body and without this vital fuel, the cells will feel fatigued, resulting is an overall feeling of fatigue.
Persistent Cough
Exposure to asbestos can also cause a build-up of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity, a condition known as pleural effusions. The presence of pleural effusions is often one of the earliest signs of asbestos exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and usually occurs within the first 20 years following the exposure.
The build-up of fluid causes a persistent cough that usually worsens over time. The cough is triggered by the pressure the fluid causes in the lungs and is the body’s attempt to remove the excess fluid.
Abdominal or Chest Pain
The pressure the excess fluid causes in the lungs results in pain that can be felt in the chest and abdomen. The pain may range from mild to severe and may be acute, meaning rapid onset, or chronic. The pain often feels like a tightening in the chest, according to the National Cancer Institute.
