Asbestosis Flashcards
1
Q
What causes asbestosis?
A
Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres.
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) is the least fibrogenic
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is the most fibrogenic
- Amosite (brown asbestos) is the least common and has intermediate fibrogenicity.
Asbestos was commonly used in the building trade for fire proofing, pipe lagging, electrical wire insulation and roofing felt. The degree of asbestos exposure is related to the degree of pulmonary fibrosis.
2
Q
What are the clinical features of asbestosis?
A
- Progressive dyspnoea
- Clubbing
- Fine end-inspiratory crackles
- Pleural plaques
- Increased risk of bronchial adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma.
3
Q
How is asbestosis managed?
A
Symptomatic management only
