Living with Asbestosis
A lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of the lungs.
Understanding Asbestosis
It causes scarring (fibrosis) in lung tissue. Signs include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It can appear at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathlessness with activity
- Less ability to exercise
- Crackling sounds in the lungs
- Low oxygen with activity
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Lung Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers.
Also known as: amianthosis; asbestos dust pneumoconiosis; asbestos intoxication; asbestos pneumoconiosis; pneumoconiosis from asbestos dust; pulmonary asbestosis
Patient organizations
- American Lung AssociationAsbestosis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Asbestosis.
Explore research for Asbestosis
Explore actively recruiting Asbestosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Asbestosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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