Work-Related Diseases
Find information on occupational work-related diseases including diseases, category and group, synonyms, severity, latency, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments and options.
Asbestosis
Occupational Disease Asbestosis
Asbestosis Category Interstitial Lung Disease
Asbestosis Severity
Chronic
Asbestosis Synonyms
n/a
Information on Asbestosis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Screening and Imaging
The diagnosis of asbestosis depends on a history of exposure to asbestos dust, a latency of at least 10 years, and evidence of diffuse fibrosis and pleural plaques by chest x-ray or CT scan. The likelihood of the diagnosis is increased by the presence of a restrictive pattern on pulmonary function testing. The risk of developing asbestosis is directly related to the cumulative dose. Bibasilar rales is the typical physical finding in patients with asbestosis. Dyspnea on exertion is the primary symptom. Shipyard workers and other workers heavily exposed to asbestos in the past have an increased risk for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. [Harber, p. 305-310]
Asbestosis Latency
10-20 years [LaDou, p. 321]
Asbestosis References
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html