Pneumonitis appears as a result of the inflammation produced by asbestos fibers in the lungs
Most of the lung diseases resulting from asbestos exposure have been experienced by former industrial workers and military veterans whose jobs exposed them to airborne asbestos fibers over a period of many years with no respiratory protection and no personal protective equipment. Poorly ventilated and closed working spaces with a high rate of asbestos material disturbances led to high rates of asbestos exposure in these workers.
The asbestos fibers cause irritation, inflammation and scarring, which cause symptoms that primarily affect the lungs. Pneumonitis is classified into several different subtypes, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis – an interstitial lung disease - is caused by repeated and long-term exposure to hazardous substances that are inevitably inhaled into the lungs.
Over time, some people with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and with a history of substantial occupational exposure to asbestos develop clubbing of fingers and toes and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. If the condition goes untreated or is not well controlled over time, the chronic inflammation can cause irreversible scarring of the lungs that may severely impair pulmonary function.
Due to the permanent scarring of lung tissue caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis may suffer recurrent exacerbations, with a worsening of symptoms that can lead to frequent hospital admissions.
Asbestosis can easily be misdiagnosed as another type of pneumonitis
This lung condition has multiple subtypes, the three most known being chronic, acute and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Asbestosis falls under the category of pneumonitis as well, since the disease involves the inflammation of the lung tissue. Similarly, pneumonia is also a type of pneumonitis (with pneumonia infection is present as well). However, the differences between the previously mentioned conditions are major and for this reason, each type of pneumonitis requires a specific treatment approach. Therefore, if you were exposed to asbestos and experience some of the symptoms below, it is very important to inform your physician about your asbestos exposure to avoid misdiagnosis:
- shortness of breath
- a dry cough
- chest tightness
- swollen neck or face
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- difficulty swallowing
The complications which can follow untreated pneumonitis include pulmonary fibrosis, COPD and irreversible lung damage. Tissue scarring will gradually occur if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment for this condition. Lung cancer can also be mistaken for pneumonitis, pneumonia or for asbestosis due to the symptoms these diseases share, so being evaluated by a highly experienced specialist in pulmonary disease is crucial. If during evaluation asbestos fibers are found in your lungs in addition to pneumonitis you might be eligible for monetary compensation.