Treating Asbestosis - Overview
Though there is no cure for asbestosis, it is indeed possible to treat the symptoms and lessen their affect on an asbestosis victim's quality of life.
In general, doctors have a number of goals in mind when treating an asbestosis patient. Because one of the most uncomfortable and frightening symptoms of the disease is shortness of breath, the number one goal is usually to alleviate this problem. The ability to breathe more easily not only allows the patient to feel more relaxed but also facilitates eating and sleeping, which contributes to better overall health.
Doctors are also concerned that asbestosis patients may catch colds or other respiratory ailments that complicate breathing and other symptoms of the disease so measures are taken to avoid exposure to germs.
Treatment is also aimed at stopping the progression of the disease. The easiest way to do that, of course, is to cease exposure to asbestos. Studies show that when exposure is stopped, asbestosis usually does not progress.
However, smoking greatly increases the chances that the disease will develop into mesothelioma, a very aggressive form of asbestos-caused cancer which usually carries a life expectancy of 1 to 4 years after diagnosis. That means part of treating asbestosis involves putting the smoker on a program that will help him/her kick the smoking habit.
A variety of palliative treatments for victims of asbestosis are available, including several drugs, a few possible surgical procedures, and some alternative treatments that can go a long way in making the patient more comfortable and give him/her the ability to work, play, and continue to enjoy life.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
