Asbestosis

Question 1

Asbestosis: Causes/Define

Answer 1

Asbestosis is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres

Mainly affects the lower lungs

Question 2

Asbestosis: Occupations

Answer 2

Builders
Dire proofing
Pipe Lagging
Electrical wire insulators
Roofing
Ships

Question 3

Types of Asbestos

Answer 3

Chystolite - white - least fibrogenic
Amosite - brown - least common - intermediate fibrogenicity
Crocidolite - blue - most fibrogenic & most generrous.

Severity of asbestosis is linked to length of exposure

Question 4

Asbestos Exposure-linked conditions:

Answer 4

Asbestosis
Pleural plaques
Mesothelioma - Lung cancer
Benign Asbestos Pleurisy

Question 5

Asbestosis: Symptoms

Answer 5

Breathlessness - progressive
Cough 
Chest Pain 
Loss of appetite
Weight Loss

Question 6

Asbestosis: Signs

Answer 6

Finger clubbing
Lymphadenopathy
Crackles
Decreased Breathsounds
Stony Dullness on Percussion

Question 7

Asbestosis: Management

Answer 7

Symptomatic management
Family support - due to poor prognosis
Compensation - patients are eligable for this - UK Industrial Injuries Act.

Question 8

Pleural Plaques: Define

Answer 8

Pleural plaques are benign and do not undergo malignant change.
They are the most common form of asbestos related lung disease and generally occur after a latent period of 20-40 years.