石棉肺

迹象 & 症状

Symptoms of asbestosis typically do not develop until 20 to 30 years after the initial exposure. The main symptom is shortness of breath that worsens over time.

诊断

石棉沉滞症的诊断, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical and occupational history, 然后进行彻底的体检, which includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for crackling or high-pitched sounds that may indicate asbestosis.

The following 测试s may be conducted to make a definite diagnosis:

• 胸部x光片. A 胸部x光片 may be taken to look for any abnormalities in your lungs. 石棉肺 appears as excessive whiteness in your lung tissue.

• 肺功能检查(PFT). 这 测试 involves a series of breathing maneuvers that measure the airflow and volume of air in your lungs, which allows your doctor to objectively assess the function of your lungs.
• 高分辨率计算机断层扫描(HRCT). 这是一种特殊的 CT扫描 that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs and the pleura that surrounds them. The pleura are often scarred following asbestos exposure. Although this is not the same as asbestosis, it does indicate past exposure to the dust. These images are extremely valuable in determining which type of lung disease you have and whether or not occupational factors may be involved. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT扫描; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes.
• 支气管镜检查. 这 测试 involves the passage of a flexible fiberoptic scope about the diameter of a pencil into the lungs to obtain fluid and sometimes tissue samples to aid in diagnosis.

治疗

The first step of asbestosis treatment is to end all contact with asbestos, although most people have been exposed in the past and often are retired altogether by the time they develop 症状 of the disease. Smoking multiplies the risk of 肺癌 in asbestos and therefore must be stopped if still ongoing. 我们的 烟草教育中心 offers classes as well as individual consultations with doctors trained in treating tobacco addiction. We help smokers maximize the likelihood of success in their efforts to quit.

不幸的是，石棉沉滞症无法治愈. However, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage 症状.

疫苗

病人 with asbestosis should receive a flu shot annually and pneumonia shots periodically. Talk to your doctor about how often you should receive a pneumonia shot. 我们还建议避开人群以避免细菌.

药物

Sometimes medicines used for asthma are prescribed to people with breathing problems caused by asbestosis. They may be of some benefit depending on your individual response. As with chronic lung disease in general, antibiotics are used to treat respiratory infections.