Get 10% Off*, Use Code: HPD10
Found in rocks and soil, this naturally occurring mineral fiber is used in a variety of construction materials, including floor tiles, roofing shingles, and automotive parts, including brake and clutch components. It wasn’t until 1898, in the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops in the UK, that the dangers of asbestos came to light. Exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, which is a chronic respiratory disease. No treatment can reverse any damage caused by asbestos. Avoiding further exposure and bad habits such as smoking is a good first step, and HPFY has everything you need for respiratory therapy.
For those in the construction industry, exposure to asbestos causes chronic lung issues such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. These are chronic lung diseases that are caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers lodge into the lining of the lungs, causing scarring and shortness of breath. Most people who have developed asbestosis/mesothelioma contracted it prior to the 1970s before the government began regulating these products. Unfortunately, symptoms of asbestosis typically don’t appear until years or decades after exposure and include:
Asbestos Exposure symptoms can vary in severity depending on how much asbestos exposure was experienced. It’s the release of tiny particles of asbestos that get lodged in the lungs, causing various health issues. Asbestos exposure can cause:
People who work in certain industries are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure. In the United States, those working in the construction field have the highest level of exposure to asbestos. These jobs can include:
The United States has phased out products that use asbestos since 1989. The government has also enacted a partial ban on importing products or distribution of certain asbestos products.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asbestosis or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. There are treatments available that can help manage this condition. When treating either asbestosis or mesothelioma, the goal is to manage symptoms and preserve lung function as best as possible. Any treatment can’t reverse damage due to asbestos exposure but possibly can relieve symptoms, treat any complications, and slow the progression. Some treatments available are:
Beyond these options, there are other lifestyle changes you can adapt to improve your quality of life if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma. Try to avoid smoking or try to quit since smoking speeds up the progression of the disease. Avoiding polluted air or secondhand smoke can help, as can eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. An exercise program is great as long as your doctor signs off on it.
Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to asbestos or its fibers and is experiencing respiratory symptoms should see their doctor. There is no safe form of asbestos, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies all forms of asbestos as a carcinogen. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any exercise program to ensure it’s right for you.
References:
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
How To Increase Iron Levels Quickly
It’s a question that must have puzzled you like many others. Iron is essential in hemoglobin production and its inadequate levels can negatively impact your health. Dive into this informative article to explore top iron-rich foods that can help you fight iron deficiency.
10 Best Coccyx Cushions for Tailbone Pain
If you're like most people, you spend about 8 to 10 hours sitting every day. However unhealthy, it is part of life for many, and can cause tailbone pain. Coccyx cushions can help alleviate this pain. Click to read more and find the perfect coccyx cushion for your tailbone pain.
5+ Best Adult Diapers for Fecal Incontinence
Dealing with fecal incontinence can be challenging, but you're not alone. Read this article and navigate through discreet and effective solutions that help you manage fecal incontinence and let you live life on your terms with confidence and comfort.
Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2024
Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.
10 Best Penis Pumps For Erectile Dysfunction
For anyone dealing with erectile dysfunction, penis pumps serve as a great way to manage it. But with so many products available, determining the best one for your needs can be challenging. To assist you in refining your choices and making an informed decision, here are our top 10 options, recognized for their effectiveness and safety.