Treating Asbestosis

Asbestosis Treatment

How is Asbestosis Treated?

Unfortunately there is not yet a cure for Asbestosis as the damage to the lungs is irreversible, however in most cases the symptoms can be reduced in order to improve the quality of life for sufferers.

Giving up smoking is one of the most important steps you can take, whether or not you have been diagnosed with asbestosis. Smoking cigarettes can damage the lungs in a similar way to early stage asbestosis, and so the last thing your lungs need is to have additional strain put upon them. In addition to this, smoking is likely to increase the breathlessness suffered as a result of asbestosis as well as increasing even further the risk of developing lung cancer.

Vaccinations against other illnesses

If you are suffering from asbestosis, your lungs will already be in a more vulnerable state than in a healthy person, so it is imperative that you take any opportunities to reduce the chance of developing influenza (flu) or even pneumonia.

Oxygen Therapy

One of the side effects of asbestosis is that it reduces lung function; the ability to carry oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result the body might not be receiving the oxygen it needs to perform properly. Oxygen Therapy involves giving oxygen-rich air to a patient through a mask or a small tube that sits under the nostril. By increasing the amount of oxygen the patient breathes, it can give the lungs a helping hand to deliver the oxygen to the bloodstream as necessary.

Other Medication

Unless you are suffering from additional conditions affecting the lungs, there is very little medicine available to help with asbestosis. In some cases small doses of morphine may be administered to help relieve the coughing and breathlessness, but this is usually only in extreme circumstances.

Respiratory Physiotherapy and drainage

Another side effect of asbestosis is the weakening of the lungs, in terms of their strength to expel secretions within them, such as sputum. Doctors may carry out a type of physiotherapy called ‘chest percussion’ to help loosen the build-up, or if it is necessary they might use postural drainage to remove the fluids.