Asbestosis Flashcards
1
Q
Define Asbestosis?
A
Long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres
2
Q
What are the three types of Asbestos?
A
Chrysotile (white absestos) is the least fibrogenic
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is the most fibrogenic
Amosite (brown aspestos) has intermediate fibrogenicity
3
Q
How does asbestos correlate to fibrosis?
A
Degree of asbestos exposure is related to degree of pulmonary fibrosis
4
Q
What is the epidemiology of Asbestosis?
A
Asbestos exposure is documented in 90% of cases
5
Q
What are the presenting symptoms of Asbestosis?
A
Progressive dyspnoea
6
Q
What are the signs of Asbestosis?
A
Clubbing
Fine end-inspiratory crackles
7
Q
What investigations do you do for Asbestosis?
A
History and exam
CXR: reticular-nodular shadowing +/- pleural plaques
