Many industrial workers who were working in the 70s and 80s were sadly exposed to the dangerous dust of asbestos. The health problems that come from having worked with the dangerous substance can be devastating, and asbestosis is one such unpleasant condition that can arise from inhaling asbestos dust.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is the name for a lung condition that may likely develop if you have been extensively exposed to asbestos fibres. Asbestos itself is a white material that was initially used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing. When the danger of it was discovered, it was swiftly disallowed in building material, but it unfortunately still exists in many older buildings.
Asbestosis is not the only health issue that inhaling asbestos dust can cause. Other potential health issues include:
- Lung cancer
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Pleural effusion
- Pleural plaques
- Malignant mesothelioma
- Rounded atelectasis
What are the symptoms of asbestosis?
Breathing in asbestos fibres over many years can eventually lead to serious scarring of the lungs. Symptoms of this can include:
- A persistent cough
- Swollen fingers
- Extreme tiredness (also known medically as fatigue)
- Shortness of breath
- A pain in your chest or shoulder
If your doctor suspects that you may have developed asbestosis, then they will refer you to a specialist and you may have the following tests:
- A chest X-Ray
- A lung function test to check the capacity and correct functioning of your lungs
- A CT scan of your lungs
Sadly, there is no cure for asbestosis once it has been diagnosed, because the kung damage is irreversible. There are some treatments that are known to help the symptoms of the condition. These treatments are:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a programme that is designed to teach you exercises and ways in which you can manage the condition.
- Oxygen therapy. This is where you breathe in oxygen-rich air from a tank that can help you breathe more easily.
Asbestosis can often lead to the complications of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease. All of these complications can lead to eventual death due to the initial exposure to asbestos dust.
Can I claim compensation for asbestosis?
Claiming asbestosis compensation is important when financial support is needed at a difficult time. Compensation can be claimed by a victim when they are still living, provided that they claim within a three-year time limit from when their symptoms were originally diagnosed. Loved ones can also claim on behalf of a sufferer who has passed away, provided that they were still within that three year time limit when they passed away. However, it is worth knowing that is more complicated trying to gather evidence on behalf of someone who has passed away and pinpointing when and where exposure occurred is often crucial to the case. However, it is not impossible with the right help.
Asbestos claims are important to think about to ensure that a difficult time isn’t made worse by financial difficulties. Experienced legal professionals will be able to easily guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible.