A recent report revealed that asbestos consumption globally was in the 1.1 – 1.3 million tons range annually during 2015 – 2021. This statistic is very alarming, considering that asbestos has been linked to life-threatening conditions like asbestosis (a chronic lung infection) and mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer).
What makes it even worse is the long latency period of these diseases, where the symptoms don’t present themselves for decades after exposure. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s crucial to recognize even the subtle signs of asbestos exposure.
In this article, we will discuss these subtle signs of asbestos exposure to help individuals seek timely treatment and potentially mitigate the progression of asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis.
Breathing-Related Symptoms to Look Out For
In case of a suspected asbestos-related illness, the respiratory system is the first to show signs. This is because the microscopic fibers of asbestos get lodged in the lungs and other tissues when inhaled or ingested. A study revealed that around 39% of workers installing asbestos boards and those spraying asbestos are affected by asbestosis and other conditions caused by the substance. If you deal with asbestos directly, look for the following symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
One of the most common symptoms of asbestos exposure is shortness of breath. If you are getting breathless quickly, even with minimal physical activity, it’s concerning. A study revealed that up to 25% of the general population experience breathlessness in their daily activities, and asbestosis could be the primary cause if you suspect an exposure. It’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately and rule out asbestosis to prevent lung failure in the future.
Chest Pain or Tightness
Asbestos-related lung diseases also manifest themselves in the form of chest pain or tightness. Immediately contact a healthcare professional if you are experiencing dull pain, persistent pressure, or tightness in your chest.
Persistent Cough
Persistent or chronic cough is very prevalent worldwide, with 42% of patients experiencing it with no identifiable cause. However, if you have a persistent cough that has been lingering for weeks or even months despite cold and allergy treatments, get it checked out immediately. It could be an early symptom of asbestos-related lung disease.
Wheezing
Asbestosis and other asbestos-related lung diseases impact the functioning of the lungs and make breathing strenuous for the patient. If you experience a high-pitched sound when breathing, especially when exhaling, it could indicate inflammation caused by asbestos fibers in your lungs.
Change in Voice
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and an unexplained raspiness or hoarseness of your voice, be very concerned and contact your doctor promptly. This could be because of the vocal cord and surrounding tissues caused by asbestos fibers.
All of these symptoms could be caused by other respiratory conditions as well. However, if you have a history of working with asbestos or in an industry where asbestos is used, get them checked and rule out asbestos exposure to prevent dire complications in the future.
Less Obvious Physical Signs of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure generally results in respiratory issues, but there are other, more physical symptoms that give you an early warning of impending asbestos-related complications. These symptoms are far more subtle and can be caused by other issues, but combined with the respiratory symptoms mentioned above, they call for prompt medical intervention.
Weight Loss
An out-of-blue weight loss with no explainable cause could be indicative of various types of cancer. According to Cancer Center, up to a whopping 87% of cancer patients admitted that they experienced unexplained and unintentional weight loss. When it happens in conjunction with respiratory issues, it’s recommended that you get checked to rule out mesothelioma.
Clubbed Fingers or Toes
Clubbing is a rare yet very telling symptom characterized by wide and rounded fingertips or toes. It can be caused by abnormal tissue growth or a change in blood flow. Clubbing has been reported in 29% of lung cancer patients, and it could be an early-onset sign of lung disease caused by asbestos.
Unable to Swallow
Another telltale sign of asbestos exposure is dysphagia, or the inability to swallow food because of the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest. While dysphagia is quite prevalent, with 1 in every 17 adults experiencing it, in the context of asbestos exposure, it’s caused by irritation or compression of the esophagus because of tumors or inflammation.
Course of Action Once You Get Diagnosed
When you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or a combination of a few, especially when they persist or get worse over time, it’s important to take action. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos at your workplace, you may be eligible to file an asbestosis or mesothelioma lawsuit. According to TorHoerman Law, medical bills can quickly get out of hand, and it’s necessary to secure fair compensation for your condition.
If you are sure about asbestos exposure after discussing your symptoms with your doctor, contact an asbestosis lawyer immediately to start building a case. A professional attorney will be able to help you recover the cost of treatment so that the financial burden does not cripple you.
Your doctor will prescribe various tests to assess your lung function, biopsy lung tissue samples to identify asbestos fibers, or rule out other conditions. These may include lung function tests, CT scans, X-rays, and more. It’s recommended to get these done as soon as possible and get cracking on early treatment. Timely intervention will help you potentially slow down the progression.
Asbestos exposure is a silent threat that should not be dismissed lightly. The condition lies dormant for years, showing unrelated symptoms and then manifesting itself in the form of a life-threatening disease. If you have had any exposure in the past, even minor health complaints can be major red flags. If you have concerns about possible asbestos exposure, don’t dismiss even the tiniest of symptoms and talk to a healthcare professional immediately.
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