Pleural thickening is a condition that affects the lining around the lungs (the pleura). It is most often linked to past exposure to asbestos. While it is less well known than conditions like mesothelioma, it can still have a serious impact on breathing and day-to-day life.
What Is Pleural Thickening?
Pleural thickening develops when areas of the pleura become scarred and stiff. This scarring reduces the ability of the lungs to expand fully when breathing in. Over time, this can lead to shortness of breath, chest discomfort and reduced exercise tolerance. In more severe cases, it can interfere with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying shopping.
Types of Pleural Thickening
There are different types of pleural thickening:
- Diffuse pleural thickening tends to spread over a larger area of the lung lining and is more likely to cause functional problems with breathing. This is why diffuse pleural thickening is generally regarded as the compensatable form of the condition in England and Wales.
- Localised pleural thickening, on the other hand, may be seen on scans but does not always cause symptoms or measurable impairment.
Causes and Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of pleural thickening in occupational disease cases.
Historically, asbestos was widely used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, insulation, engineering and the military. Workers often inhaled asbestos fibres without being aware of the risks, particularly before the dangers became widely known and proper safety measures were introduced. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can lodge in the pleura and trigger inflammation, which over time leads to scarring and thickening.
Symptoms and Development
Symptoms of pleural thickening can develop many years after exposure to asbestos. It is not unusual for people to be exposed in their twenties or thirties and develop symptoms decades later.
Common symptoms include:
- Breathlessness especially on exertion
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Persistent cough.
Some people may also experience a pleural effusion, this is a build-up of fluid between the lung and the chest wall. Recurrent or long-standing effusions can contribute to the development of pleural thickening.
Diagnosis and Medical Evidence
Diagnosis is usually made using imaging such as:
- Chest X-rays or CT scans. CT scans are particularly useful because they provide a more detailed view of the pleura and can help distinguish pleural thickening from other conditions.
- Lung function tests are also important. In cases of asbestos-related pleural thickening, doctors are often looking for a restrictive defect, meaning the lungs cannot expand as much as they should. This helps support a link between the scarring seen on imaging and the person’s breathing symptoms.
Severity and Progression
Although pleural thickening is not usually as severe as mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, it should not be underestimated. For many people, it represents a permanent injury that affects their breathing and daily life. It can also progress over time, particularly if there has been significant exposure. Early and accurate medical evidence is therefore crucial, both to understand the condition properly and to support any potential claim.
Pleural Plaques: What’s the Difference?
Pleural plaques are often confused with pleural thickening. Although they are also caused by asbestos exposure, they are usually asymptomatic and do not affect lung function. As a result, they are not compensatable in England and Wales, although the position is different in Scotland.
Claiming Compensation in England and Wales
From a legal perspective, pleural thickening can be a compensatable condition in England and Wales if the thickening is diffuse and causes a measurable impact on lung function or day-to-day life.
Compensation is intended to reflect the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the condition, as well as any financial losses such as loss of earnings, pension loss or care needs.
Each case turns on its own facts, including the extent of exposure, the severity of the condition and the effect it has on the individual.
We can help
Understanding the medical background, the history of exposure and the legal framework is key to dealing with these cases properly and ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate advice and support.
If you 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 an entirely no win, no fee basis.