Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, typically after prolonged occupational exposure many years earlier. Queensland has a significant history of asbestos-related disease, and Dr Mackintosh assesses and manages patients with asbestosis and other asbestos-related lung conditions.
Diagnosis
A history of asbestos exposure — through mining, insulation work, construction, shipbuilding, or renovation of older buildings — is central to diagnosis, and symptoms often appear decades after exposure. HRCT typically shows basal-predominant fibrosis, often with pleural plaques or diffuse pleural thickening. Assessment also considers other asbestos-related conditions, and distinguishes asbestosis from other causes of pulmonary fibrosis.
Management & support
There is no treatment that reverses established asbestosis, so management focuses on monitoring for progression and complications, and treating symptoms. Where asbestosis behaves as a progressive fibrosing disease, antifibrotic therapy may have a role (see progressive pulmonary fibrosis). Patients with an occupational exposure history may also be eligible for compensation or support through workers' compensation or dust disease schemes, and can be referred for appropriate advice.
Patient information
- Occupational Lung Disease — patient education fact sheet, American Thoracic Society.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between asbestosis and mesothelioma?
Asbestosis is pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaled asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen also caused by asbestos exposure. They are distinct conditions, though a person can potentially be affected by either or both.
How long after asbestos exposure can asbestosis develop?
Asbestosis typically has a long latency, often developing 15-40 years or more after significant occupational exposure, which is why it is frequently diagnosed in older adults with a distant exposure history.
Is there treatment for asbestosis?
There is no treatment that reverses established asbestosis. Management focuses on monitoring for progression and complications, treating symptoms, and support including consideration of compensation pathways where relevant. Where asbestosis behaves as a progressive fibrosing disease, antifibrotic therapy may have a role.
For referring clinicians
Dr Mackintosh welcomes referrals for assessment of suspected or confirmed asbestos-related lung disease.
Related
Interstitial lung disease — asbestosis is one of several occupational and environmental causes of ILD.