Asbestos exposure can cause different types of harmful diseases, such as ovarian cancer, asbestos poisoning, asbestos-related lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, etc. There are several Asbestos exposure symptoms that have been identified, and if you are working in a place where asbestos is used, you should be very careful. In this guide, we will delve into the signs of asbestos exposure to know the danger. First, let’s see what is called asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is resistant to heat and corrosion, and it was used mostly in the past in different products such as floor tiles, insulation, and cement. Asbestos usage has been banned in some countries because of its harmful effects, but it is still used for building and industrial work.
Asbestos exposure symptoms usually involve your lungs because it primarily causes many lung diseases. Asbestos causes diseases in other body parts; in addition, it begins to develop ten to thirty-five years after exposure. Now, let’s have a close look at symptoms of asbestos exposure to maintain your body health in a proper manner by avoiding diseases.
Asbestos Exposure Symptoms
Asbestos exposure Symptoms can vary, depending on the type and duration of exposure, and now, we will explore several signs of this disease to make you aware of bad results. Let’s start.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath is one of the most common Asbestos exposure symptoms, and it’s known as Dyspnea, which is the discomfort of being unable to breathe easily. When you inhale, asbestos fibers are lodged in your lungs, causing inflammation.
This can result in a condition called asbestosis. Scarring of lung tissue decreases the lungs’ ability to expand and contract normally, causing a feeling of shortness of breath.
This condition can be the root of many other diseases. You may also be suffering from other diseases without knowing it. If asbestos is used in your workplace, if you feel more tired than usual when doing housework or small physical activities, and if you have a lot of breathing problems, you may have asbestosis. So you should definitely talk to a doctor.
Dry Cough and Wheezing
Dry cough and wheezing are included in Asbestos exposure symptoms. In asbestosis, a dry cough gradually occurs, and you may cough harder and breathe harder. You may feel some soreness in your throat while eating or drinking.
If you work in an area where asbestos is used and you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention. However, a dry cough and wheezing are not the only signs of asbestos exposure.
There are many types of diseases that begin with these symptoms, such as Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergies, Bronchitis, etc. So you can check if this is due to asbestos exposure or other conditions.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another symptom associated with asbestos exposure, caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. Breathing these fibers can cause various respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. One of the early symptoms of these diseases is often fatigue. Asbestos-related fatigue can be attributed to several factors.
After asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs, they can cause pain, and this can cause the lungs to malfunction and make it harder for the body to get enough oxygen. The resulting lack of oxygen can cause fatigue and reduced energy. The physical stress from exposure to asbestos can cause poor sleep, loss of appetite, and physical weakness. All these situations lead to emotional exhaustion.
Chest Pain or Tightness
Chest pain or tightness can be a worrying symptom, especially when considering a possible link to asbestos exposure. In the case of cancer, it can grow in the lungs, causing discomfort or pressure in the chest.
Asbestosis, on the other hand, involves scarring of asbestos fibers in the lungs, impairing lung function and causing chest compression. Mesothelioma, unrelated to asbestos exposure, can cause chest pain when tumors grow in the pleura (the inner lining that surrounds the lungs).
It’s worth noting that chest pain can have many causes unrelated to asbestos exposure, such as heart problems, respiratory issues, or muscle pain.
Drumstick(Clubbing) Toes and Fingers
Asbestos exposure symptoms include drumstick toes and fingers. Clubbing occurs when fingertips and toes expand and the surrounding nails bend. This phenomenon is caused by reduced oxygen in the blood due to lung damage from asbestos exposure.
The body tries to compensate by increasing blood flow to the nail, which causes changes in the nail and surrounding tissue. It is important to note that clubbing can occur with asbestosis, but it is not a definitive diagnosis and can also occur for other diseases.
Anemia
Anemia is also one of the asbestos exposure symptoms, and this is a type of blood disorder. Anemia is a condition that occurs due to a lack of hemoglobin in your body. Headaches, weakness, tiredness, and breathing difficulties are different symptoms that you can identify whenever you cause Anemia. Anemia is not caused because of only asbestos exposure; it has several reasons. If you have mentioned signs of Anemia and if you are working in an area that uses asbestos, you can be exposed to asbestos, but if you are not, you may consult a doctor because this may happen due to other reasons and diseases also.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a very harmful mineral that causes many diseases and will spoil your holistic, balanced life. There are several Asbestos exposure symptoms, so if you are working in an area where you use asbestos, this guide will be the best guide to avoid asbestos exposure earlier. We should be aware of these diseases to protect both you and your family members because some diseases spread as we are not aware of how they spread. The best thing is always to follow good habits and precautionary methods for some general diseases. It will help you to maintain your overall health and body performance.
