Asbestosis

Question 1

What is asbestosis?

Answer 1

Type of pneumoconiosis caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and occurs primarily as a result of occupational exposure

Question 2

What is pneumoconiosis?

Answer 2

Group of restrictive interstitial lung diseases caused by the inhalation of certain dusts

Question 3

What are the clinical features of asbestosis?

Answer 3

(Non-specific) Exertional dyspnea
Dry cough → productive cough
Digital clubbing
Bilateral fine, basal end-inspiratory rales

Question 4

How is asbestosis diagnosed?

Answer 4

(Chest x-ray) diffuse bilateral infiltrates predominantly in the lower lobes
(High resolution computed tomography)
(Pulmonary function test) Restrictive characteristics
(Bronchoalveolar lavage)
(Biopsy)

Question 5

What is the treatment for asbestosis?

Answer 5

(No curative treatment) Cessation of exposure
Oxygen therapy
Immunization against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia
Antimicrobial treatment of respiratory infections

Question 6

What are the complications of asbestosis?

Answer 6

(Most common cancer) Bronchialgenic carcinoma- malignancy that originates within the airway or pulmonary parenchyma
Mesothelioma- primarily malignant tumor that develops from mesothelial cells