Asbestosis mesothelioma is a work related lung disease like the mesothelioma cancer. It affects the parenchyma tissue of the lungs. Over exposure to asbestos is the reason behind the disease. Here the parenchymal tissues permanently remain sore and irritable as a result of which dyspnea or shortness of breath occurs. There is increased possibility of contracting lung cancer also. In this case plaque would form above the diaphragm due to over exposure to asbestos. This will be revealed in X-ray tests.

Breathing difficulty is the primary symptom of asbestosis mesothelioma and the persons who are seriously infected may become victims of total respiratory failure. It normally takes more than ten years for the disease to show up after the asbestos exposure. At the same time recognized cases are there where the disease became noticeable with in three months. Mainly there are two types of asbestos particles, namely amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole is thin and straight whereas serpentine is curved. The amphibole ones are responsible for asbestosis as they can go deep into the lungs through inhalation and injure lung tissues around terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

The asbestos fibers enter the air sacs of alveoli, where oxygen is routed into the blood. There they rouse the lung’s inbuilt immune system into getting swollen with the aim of rejecting the foreign body. To get the intruder digested, the body releases macrophages, but asbestos being indigestible, the macrophages tend to die. The result would be the release of cytokines, which further invite more macrophages. This extra accumulation results in thickening of alveolar walls. The elasticity of the walls and transmission of gases get reduced hindering oxygen transfer into the blood.

Severely affected patients may witness inspiratory crackles and clubbing of fingers. The disease may not be life-threatening, but it can indirectly cause serious medical situations like heart failure. Around half of all asbestosis patients may develop plaque in the chest and lung cavities.

Successful treatment is not available for asbestosis mesothelioma presently. But breathing problems can be alleviated by regular oxygen therapy administered at home. Respiratory physiotherapy, chest percussion, vibration and nebulization are other supportive treatments available for diluting secretions that are responsible for shortness of breath. Asbestosis mesothelioma patients can also claim compensation from their errant employers.