Warning Signs That You Are Infected From Asbestos

Perhaps the most important thing humans do every minute is breathe. It’s so simple that we often do it without realizing it. Breathing is natural, makes us feel awesome when we do so deeply, and keeps us alive. But when breathing starts to become ragged and chest pain is an everyday occurrence, the precious breaths we take become the only thing we can think of. This process can occur when asbestos gets into the mix. There are common signs indicating an individual is infected with asbestos.

What Is Asbestos Exposure?

Exposure to asbestos can cause chronic lung diseases that result from asbestos fibers adhering to lung tissue, scarring the lung, ultimately making breathing much more painful and difficult. Individuals at a greater risk of being exposed to asbestos to such an extent to cause lasting conditions are those who have worked in construction and installation type jobs, such as mining, milling, or engineering. Individuals who smoke also expedite the process because smoke further aggravates the lungs. It is important to remember these symptoms will appear and become a real problem a couple of decades past initial exposure. Most cases of this disease are in middle-aged patients.

Clubbing Of The Fingers And Toes

The hands can tell a story about an individual’s health, particularly the nails. Several studies have linked nail and finger abnormalities with a variety of lung and heart diseases. Clubbing of the hands occurs when the tissue beneath the fingernails thicken and harden, causing the nails to round out and protrude in a bulbous fashion. This is due to the lungs delivering insufficient oxygen to the blood, and a lack of oxygen reaching the hands and feet. If the nail looks abnormal or appears unfamiliar, as in it is not a hereditary trait, individuals are encouraged to seek out medical assistance, as the nails on the hands and feet can determine moderate to severe health implications, such as the development of a condition from asbestos exposure.

A Persistent, Dry Cough

As asbestos fibers latch themselves to the lining of the lungs and alveoli, the lungs begin to decrease their performance of their functions, such as exhaling, inhaling, and producing protective mucus. With this lack of a mucous membrane to protect the lungs, a dry and persistent cough develops, along with breathing difficulties. If a patient notices that they are coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm, and are also experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain, they should consult with their physician immediately, as this can be an obvious symptom of mesothelioma, a terminal, asbestos-caused cancer.

Moderate To Extreme Fatigue

Fatigue is a tough symptom to believe is related to a severe medical condition, as everyone experiences fatigue at different times in life. Individuals can deal with fatigue temporarily due to present stress at work or home, insufficient sleep, or poor sleeping habits. The first thing an individual thinks about when they experience fatigue is they simply need more sleep. But if the fatigue is unusual or persistent, it could be indicative of a serious medical issue, such as the development of a condition due to asbestos exposure. Patients experiencing unusual amounts of fatigue should consult their primary doctor, and have a sleep study performed to rule out sleeping disorders or take a blood test.

Shortness Of Breath

Same with fatigue, shortness of breath is a symptom that's difficult to attach to a health condition. Everyone experiences shortness of breath occasionally, even from completing a mile run or climbing the stairs. But it is important to remember the differing degrees of persistence, activity, and usual routines. Having shortness of breath is indicative of more than just lung issues. The stiffening of the lungs is what causes coughing, discomfort, and shortness of breath associated with asbestos, as less oxygen is being delivered to the bloodstream. Considering the body relies on oxygen for energy, chronic breathing problems can lead to other symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss.

Chest Tightness Or Pain

Perhaps the most severe symptom to have is chest pain and chest tightening. The problem does not necessarily mean the individual is at risk of a heart attack, as the pain can range from the heart to the lungs and the stomach. It could also indicate muscle strain and anxiety. The reason why can be a sign of asbestos exposure is due to the lungs overworking due to less oxygen being delivered to the blood, which results in strain and irritation to the thoracic system. When a patient struggles to breathe, even a little bit, their body immediately feels the strain, causing chest pain.

Appetite Loss

The loss of appetite becomes a significant sign of asbestos exposure when this exposure develops into a serious condition, such as mesothelioma. Some of the reason why asbestos exposure causes a loss of appetite is unknown and more research is needed, but many believe there may be a connection with tumor growth and the buildup of fluid in the abdominal area that results in this loss. These factors reduce the space organs, including the stomach, have to function, hence the reduced appetite. Of course, many patients whose exposure to asbestos progresses to the point of mesothelioma also tend to experience complications and symptoms such as depression, stress, and anxiety, all three of which can mean a reduced appetite.

Swelling Of The Face Or Neck

Swelling is predominant with asbestos exposure, and not only in the fingers, as discussed earlier. Beyond the clubbing in the fingers, swelling can also occur in the face and neck when an individual has been exposed to asbestos. One of the reasons for swelling of the face or neck, similar to clubbing in the fingers, is insufficient oxygen in the blood. When the lungs are not fully oxygenating the blood, the heart is forced to work harder. One of the consequences of this is the build-up of fluid around the lungs and the heart, which is what forces the face and neck to swell.

Difficulty Swallowing

When asbestos exposure is the cause behind an individual's increased difficulty swallowing, it can be a direct result of the previous sign, swelling in the face and neck. It is part of the chain reaction begun because asbestos exposure and some of the diseases it can cause, such as asbestosis, prevent the lungs from fully oxygenating blood.

Of course, the difficulty in swallowing, sometimes called dysphagia, can also result from other issues related to asbestos exposure. As mentioned, exposure to asbestos is a major cause of certain cancers, like pleural mesothelioma. Dysphagia is a potential symptom to watch for with pleural mesothelioma, and in this case, it is often connected to the growth of tumors in the chest cavity as well as with metastatic mesothelioma. The difficulty swallowing can also trigger a reduced appetite, a previously discussed symptom of asbestos exposure, since if it's painful to swallow, individuals may simply teach themselves to avoid eating much.

Weight Loss

When asbestos exposure turns into a serious condition, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, it can present with a symptom such as weight loss. Of course, weight loss isn't the first sign that would appear because of asbestos exposure. It is in the midst of a line of symptoms leading up to the result of losing weight. As discussed, other signs of asbestos exposure include difficulty swallowing, swelling in the face and neck, and a reduced appetite. The swelling is one of the reasons why an individual may experience a difficulty swallowing, resulting in a loss of appetite, which in turn can mean the individual in question begins to lose weight. This is why it is vital to seek medical attention for these symptoms, particularly when they appear together or one after the other.

Crackling When Breathing

Many of the signs of asbestos exposure link back to breathing in one way or another. Thus, the fact a crackling sound when an individual breathes could indicate they have been exposed to asbestos. Of course, it is important to note this cracking sound may be difficult to hear. In some cases, it requires a doctor listening to a patient's breathing with a stethoscope, so often signs picked up first include unusual shortness of breath or dry coughs. The reason this cracking sound occurs is due to lung scarring, which can result when individuals breathe in asbestos fibers.

These are just a few of the critical symptoms every individual should be aware of, especially if they could have ever been exposed to asbestos. Be mindful of how your body normally operates and regularly visit your physician if you are concerned about asbestos exposure.