Asbestosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis that is caused due to asbestos exposure. This illness manifests within the lungs and connective tissues. Symptoms can entail coughing, a crackling sound when breathing, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the neck or face. Anyone who is suffering from these symptoms must meet with their doctor right away. Those who have been diagnosed with asbestosis can rely on an attorney for help seeking compensation from the person or company responsible for their asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Absorption
The most common way that people absorb asbestos material is through breathing it in or swallowing. When asbestos particles are disturbed, microscopic flakes are released into the air and can work their way through the nostrils into the lungs or digestive tract. Asbestos fibers often become lodged within lung tissue and are almost impossible to dislodge or expel from the body once absorbed.
Long-Term Impacts
The tragic impacts of asbestos exposure do not happen immediately. It is through consistent exposure over time that leads to a buildup of these particles in the lungs, stomach, or other organs. Once asbestos fibers have accumulated, it can cause irritation, scarring, and inflammation — primarily in the lungs. Those who have been exposed to asbestos may not show signs associated with this illness until twenty or more years later. An attorney will encourage anyone who has the following symptoms to see their doctor without hesitation:
- Finger deformities
- Extreme weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Hypertension
- Coughing up blood and mucus
What Causes Asbestosis Symptoms
When lungs become scarred and inflamed, it is more challenging to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen. Those suffering from asbestosis symptoms may feel fatigue due to this reduction of lung functioning. In later stages, the added stress on the lungs can cause heart or lung failure. Long-term presence of asbestos material in the lining of the lungs can lead to pleural thickening, causing shortness of breath. Pleural effusion occurs when there is a buildup of fluid among the lungs and chest wall.
Medical Documentation as Evidence
Those who are considering filing a lawsuit against their former employer or other entity for the exposure to asbestos must always keep in mind the importance of medical documentation. An attorney is likely to suggest gathering as much paperwork as you can related to your asbestosis diagnosis, including doctor’s exams, treatment plans, medication prescriptions, and receipts for expenses. The more proof you have, the stronger of a correlation you can make between your diagnosis and asbestos exposure.
If you were diagnosed with asbestosis, please contact a personal injury law office to book a consultation with an attorney, like a personal injury attorney from Yearin Law Office. A lawyer can imagine how much devastation you may be enduring as a result of another’s failure to notify or properly protect you from asbestos exposure. You can get started fighting for your retribution — all you must do next is call.