Asbestos Exposure Symptoms
Asbestos symptoms typically take between 10 and 50 years to develop. When asbestos exposure symptoms do present, they may closely resemble a cold or symptoms related to other common health problems. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can vary widely, depending on the length and concentration of your asbestos exposure.
You may suffer a variety of asbestos exposure symptoms. Below are some common symptoms of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases:
- Shortness of breath that gets progressively worse
- Wheezing
- Dry cough that worsens over time
- Chest pain
- Dry “crackling” sound in the lungs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- General fatigue (anemia)
- Failure of the right side of the heart, called cor pulmonale
- Frequent lung infections
- “Clubbing” of the ends of the fingers and toes
- Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the fingers and lips
In cases where individuals were exposed to very high concentrations of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period, asbestos exposure symptoms may include mucus coughed up from the lungs.
Asbestos Exposure Symptoms: Risk Factors
The most common reason for mesothelioma diagnosis is long-term asbestos exposure. However, exposure to asbestos does not automatically mean you will experience asbestos exposure symptoms or get seriously ill. There are a number of factors to be considered in evaluating your risk for mesothelioma and asbestos diseases. These factors include:
- How long ago you were exposed to asbestos
- Where you were exposed (the source)
- The amount (dose) of asbestos you were exposed to
- The duration (how long) of your exposure
- The frequency of your exposure
- The size, shape and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
- Whether or not you currently smoke cigarettes – asbestos exposure combined with smoking increases your risk for developing lung cancer
- Whether or not you have pre-existing lung conditions or other health problems
Are You Experiencing Asbestos Exposure Symptoms?
If you think you’re experiencing asbestos exposure symptoms, contact your doctor. Your doctor will be able to identify early signs of asbestos-related disease and advise you on an appropriate path of medical treatment based on your asbestos exposure symptoms.
For those whose asbestos exposure symptoms lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation by the asbestos manufacturers. Contact a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about asbestos law and to discuss your options.