Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used across industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding and construction due to its durability and heat-resistant properties. Although the use of asbestos was officially banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, the health consequences are still being felt today. Thousands of people continue to be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases each year, often decades after their initial exposure.
Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period, meaning that symptoms may not appear for 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. As a result of this delayed onset, individuals who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may only now be starting to show symptoms. Below, we outline the key symptoms of the four most common asbestos-related diseases.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer caused almost exclusively by the exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelial cells that form the protective lining of several internal organs, most commonly the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testes (testicular mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma symptoms may vary depending on where the mesothelioma is located. Typical symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating and high temperatures
- A persistent cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- A hoarse or husky voice
It is a disease that is notoriously difficult to detect early, as initial symptoms are often mistaken for minor respiratory issues or other illnesses. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and develop any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately and ensure your healthcare provider is aware of your asbestos exposure history.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is fibrosis (scarring) of the lung tissue that is caused by the inhalation to significant quantities of asbestos fibres. The asbestos fibres cause irritation to the lung tissue and eventually lead to scarring.
It is a dose related disease, meaning that the extent and severity of the disease is related to the level and duration of exposure. Essentially, the more exposure to asbestos, the worse the disease becomes.
The symptoms of asbestosis mainly affect your breathing, but other symptoms can include:
- Breathlessness
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
- Blood in the sputum/mucus
- Swelling in the neck or face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nail deformities
- Extreme fatigue
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestosis as it is impossible to repair scarred lung tissue. However, early diagnosis and symptom management can improve quality of life and help slow progression.
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer
When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs. As they build up over time due to further exposure to asbestos, they can scar and damage the lungs, which can lead to the development of lung cancer. While smoking is a major risk factor, asbestos exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing the disease, especially in combination with smoking.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A persistent or changing cough
- Breathlessness
- Blood in the sputum
- Chest pain
- Wheezing from one side
- Weight loss
The prognosis for asbestos-related lung cancer depends largely on the stage at diagnosis. As with all forms of cancer, early detection is critical to improving outcomes.
Pleural Thickening
Pleural thickening occurs when the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura, becomes scarred and thickened, restricting lung expansion. This condition can develop even from lower levels of asbestos exposure.
The most common test used to diagnose pleural thickening is a chest x-ray or CT scan. Lung function tests will also be carried out in many cases, to assess whether any pleural thickening is causing or contributing to breathing problems.
Common symptoms of pleural thickening often include:
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Like asbestosis, there is no cure for pleural thickening, as it is impossible to repair scarred lung tissue. However, treatments such as pulmonary rehabilitation and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
If you have previously worked in industries where asbestos exposure was likely, such as construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing, and experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis offers the best chance of managing the condition and maintaining a good quality of life. Please note that the symptoms listed above are not exhaustive and the presentation of disease can vary from person to person.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos in the past and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, our expert asbestos disease team can advise whether you can claim compensation. Call us today on 0800 038 6767 or contact us for a free, no-obligation chat to see how we can help you. All of our work is done on a no win, no fee basis.