Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

The diagnostic path includes comprehensive
work and health histories, physical examination
including AUSCULTATION, chest X-rays, and some-
times other diagnostic imaging procedures such as
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY(CT) SCANorMAGNETIC RESO-
NANCE IMAGING(MRI). Finger clubbing, in which the
ends of the fingers become thick, rales (crackling
BREATH SOUNDS), and CYANOSIS(bluish hue to the
lips and SKINthat signals inadequate oxygenation)
are common signs of lung damage typical of lung
diseases such as asbestosis. Doctors assign a
numeric classification from grade 0 to grade 4 to
indicate the severity of damage, along with letter
designations A, B, or C to identify the extent of
lung structure affected.

Treatment Options and Outlook
Treatment for asbestosis is largely supportive, as it
is not possible to remove the fibers once they
embed in the lungs. SMOKING CESSATIONis of prime
importance, as cigarette smoking in combination
with asbestos exposure greatly increases the likeli-
hood of lung cancer. Treatment also targets spe-
cific concerns or other problems as they arise.
Generalized efforts to promote pulmonary health,
such as BREATHING EXERCISESand regular physical
activity to improve AEROBIC CAPACITY, increase the
efficiency of undamaged lung tissue.

Because the latency period (time between

exposure and symptoms) is so long, damage to the

lungs can be quite extensive by the time symp-

toms become apparent. People who know they

have had exposure to asbestos should have regu-

lar pulmonary examinations to monitor for

asbestosis. Though asbestosis can be fatal, many

people live without significant complications due

to the condition. The most significant conse-

quence of asbestosis is lung cancer, including

mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that only

occurs with asbestos exposure.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures

Asbestosis only occurs as a consequence of

asbestos exposure, so eliminating exposure elimi-

nates the risk of developing the condition. Preven-

tive measures for those who continue to have

occupational exposure include appropriate protec-

tive clothing and respirators.

See also ANTHRACOSIS; BERYLLIOSIS; BYSSINOSIS; LIV-

ING WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY CONDITIONS; SILICOSIS;

SMOKING AND PULMONARY DISEASE.

aspergillosis An opportunistic fungal (yeast)

INFECTIONthat can manifest as PNEUMONIAin people

who have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing CHEMOTHERAPY

to treat cancer, receive IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY

aspergillosis 185

ASBESTOSIS SEVERITY

Grade Severity Extent of Lung Damage
grade 0 asymptomatic asbestos fibers present but no fibrosis

grade 1 mild damage fibrosis limited to bronchi and bronchioles, no alveolar involvement

grade 2 moderate damage fibrosis extends to alveoli

grade 3 serious damage fibrosis extends between alveolar clusters

grade 4 severe damage fibrosis obliterates alveoli, replacing them with honeycombed SCARtissue

grade a mild involvement scattered bronchial structures are involved

grade B moderate involvement fewer than half the bronchial structures are involved

grade C severe involvement greater than half the bronchial structures are involved