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Asbestos which is a mineral, is composed of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and other metal ions. Flexibility, strength and resistance to fire are the specialities of asbestos. Asbestos has been used in making over 3000 products for centuries. It can be found in vehicle brakes, building materials, roofing materials, paints, etc. Asbestos exposure can be extremely harmful to human health.
Serious medical problems like deep breathing difficulties, chest infecctions,
gastro-intestinal problems, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer can occur from asbestos exposure. Though the effects of asbestos exposure have been well known for quite some time, it is still used throughout the globe for manufacturing different products. Shipyard, factory,
construction and building industry workers may all be subjected to asbestos exposure.
It is well known that asbestos manufacturers were aware of the dangers of its exposure as early as the 1920s but they kept the secret deliberately for several decades. Victims of Asbestos-related diseases can pursue legal action against the party responsible for their injuries to ensure the financial security of their families and to aid with expensive medical bills that pile up during treatment and diagnosis.
Defendants against asbestos lawsuits are those parties who are responsible for asbestos exposure including employers and asbestos manufacturers.
Mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer is a deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure many years before the cancer develops. Among mesothelioma patients, eighty percent are males. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers results in the attachment of fibres to the respiratory tract and the lining of the lungs and sometimes develop in to Mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or pain or swelling in the abdomen are very general and therefore they are often ignored. Mostly, symptoms arise 2 to 3 months before Mesothelioma is diagnosed. A complete examination of the body as well as a study of the patient’s medical past, including any asbestos exposure can help to detect Mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the part of the body called the peritoneum. This kind of mesothelioma is located in the abdomen and symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and other effects.
Treatment is given for Mesothelioma depending on the stage at which the disease is, the location of the cancer and aspects like the patient's age and overall health. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are different mesothelioma treatment options. Surgery involves removal of the part of the lining of the chest or abdomen affected by the disease. Radiation is done for destroying cancer cells and to shrink tumors. Chemotherapy is another treatment used to kill cancer cells by administering drugs through injection. Researches are being conducted for finding out better ways of treating Mesothelioma.
Asbestosis
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Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It is often referred to as a "diffuse pulmonary fibrosis". Patients of asbestosis suffer from non cancerous fibrous hardening and scarring of the lungs. The presence of asbestos bodies and fibers in the lung tissue distinguishes asbestosis from other fibrotic diseases. Asbestos fibers are also seen in pleura, liver, spleen, tonsils, pancreas, kidneys, stomach, intestines etc. Asbestosis scarring can either cause lung impairment or heart disease. Generally, asbestosis occurs around ten to twenty years after first exposure.
Time varies depending on the gravity of asbestos exposure and the individual’s health. About one in seven people who suffer from asbestosis, eventually develop lung cancer.
Pulmonary function deficiencies, dyspnea, dry and troublesome cough, irregular opacities of the
lungs etc. are some of the symptoms of asbestosis. Painful and labored breathing are generally the first symptoms of asbestosis. After diagnosing asbestosis, it is important to understand different treatment options. Since there is tremendous risk of malignancy, medical monitoring is of prime importance.
It is necessary to see whether any radiologic changes are occuring. Periodic chest x-rays will help to observe such changes.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung cancer among asbestosis patients. Smoking also causes difficulty in clearing of asbestos particles from the lung. Thus, treatment of asbestosis includes stoppage of smoking.
As there is no cure available, stopping further exposure to asbestos is also essential. Treatment of asbestosis includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by vibration, chest percussion and postural drainage. Aerosol medications are prescribed to thin secretions. Sometimes, Oxygen by mask or by other means may be needed.
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