Get 10% Off*, Use Code: HPWS10
Found in rocks and soil, this naturally occurring mineral fiber is used in a variety of construction materials, including floor tiles, roofing shingles, and automotive parts, including brake and clutch components. It wasn’t until 1898, in the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops in the UK, that the dangers of asbestos came to light. Exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, which is a chronic respiratory disease. No treatment can reverse any damage caused by asbestos. Avoiding further exposure and bad habits such as smoking is a good first step, and HPFY has everything you need for respiratory therapy.
For those in the construction industry, exposure to asbestos causes chronic lung issues such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. These are chronic lung diseases that are caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers lodge into the lining of the lungs, causing scarring and shortness of breath. Most people who have developed asbestosis/mesothelioma contracted it prior to the 1970s before the government began regulating these products. Unfortunately, symptoms of asbestosis typically don’t appear until years or decades after exposure and include:
Asbestos Exposure symptoms can vary in severity depending on how much asbestos exposure was experienced. It’s the release of tiny particles of asbestos that get lodged in the lungs, causing various health issues. Asbestos exposure can cause:
People who work in certain industries are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure. In the United States, those working in the construction field have the highest level of exposure to asbestos. These jobs can include:
The United States has phased out products that use asbestos since 1989. The government has also enacted a partial ban on importing products or distribution of certain asbestos products.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestosis or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. There are treatments available that can help manage this condition. When treating either asbestosis or mesothelioma, the goal is to manage symptoms and preserve lung function as best as possible. Any treatment can’t reverse damage due to asbestos exposure but possibly can relieve symptoms, treat any complications, and slow the progression. Some treatments available are:
Beyond these options, there are other lifestyle changes you can adapt to improve your quality of life if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma. Try to avoid smoking or try to quit since smoking speeds up the progression of the disease. Avoiding polluted air or secondhand smoke can help, as can eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. An exercise program is great as long as your doctor signs off on it.
Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to asbestos or its fibers and is experiencing respiratory symptoms should see their doctor. There is no safe form of asbestos, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies all forms of asbestos as a carcinogen. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any exercise program to ensure it’s right for you.
References:
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
Enteral Feeding: The What, When, and How
When traditional oral intake is not feasible, enteral feeding comes into play. It supports nutritional needs of individuals recovering from an injury or surgery. Dive into this informative article and learn what, when, why, and how of enteral feeding and ensure optimal patient care.
Using the Carpal Solution Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support
Looking for a non-invasive option to manage carpal tunnel symptoms? Experience relief from constant tingling and pain with this Carpal Solution Wrist Support. Read this article to know about the unique features and benefits of this wrist support brace designed to deal with CTS and find why it is one of the most reliable wrist braces available on the market.
Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2023
Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.
10 Best Overnight Adult Diapers
Worried about nighttime leaks? Say goodbye to leakage with our ten best overnight adult diapers and wake up refreshed and dry.
Five Best Cervical Traction Devices of 2023
Neck pain can wreak havoc on your otherwise healthy life. Traction device improves your cervical health and overall well-being. Read more to find our best cervical traction devices designed to curb the stiffness and discomfort of cervical muscles.