Asbestos is a mineral that is found naturally in rocks and soil. Until the 1970s, when it was discovered that asbestos increased the risk for lung disease, it was widely used in many industries in the United Kingdom. For example, it was used to fireproof drywall, insulate pipes, and strengthen cement. People who work or used to work around asbestos are at risk for related lung diseases, as are their family members.

Asbestos fibers are very thin and can escape into the air. When you breathe in, they can get stuck deep in your lungs. The fibers remain in your lung tissue for a long time and may cause scarring and inflammation. This can lead to several types of asbestos-related lung diseases and lung problems, including:

• Asbestosis, in which the lung tissue becomes scarred
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma, which is cancer of the tissue around the lungs
• Pleural effusion, a type of pleurisy
• Pleural plaque, which are hard structures around the lungs and diaphragm
• Fibrotic scaring of the lung tissue, alveoli 
• Thickening of the tissues of the lungs pulmonary fibrosis

Signs and symptoms of asbestos-related lung diseases vary depending on which type of disease you have and how much it has damaged your lungs. You may have shortness of breath or a chronic cough. It may take 10 to 40 or more years after exposure to asbestos for signs or symptoms to appear. Your doctor will diagnose an asbestos-related lung disease based on your past exposure  your sypmtoms, a physical exam, and results of tests such as a chest X-ray or chest CT scan.

Tell your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to asbestos. Your doctor can watch for symptoms or complications and start treatment early, depending on the type of asbestos-related lung disease you have. No treatment can reverse the effects of asbestos on your lungs. However, treatments may help relieve symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, prevent complications, and help you live longer. If you have shortness of breath or other problems breathing, and oxygen levels in your blood are too low, your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy. If you have lung cancer or mesothelioma, you may receive chemotherapy or surgery.

If you have an asbestos-related lung disease, you will need lifelong care, including regular chest X-rays, chest CT scans, and pulmonary function tests. If you smoke, find support to help you quit. Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer if you have been exposed to asbestos.

If your long condition is found to be a result of working with or exposure to asbestos, the you may be able to claim compensation.

We work closely with Specialist Solicitor .Anna Burns Anna has built a reputation as a specialist claims Solicitor helping individuals who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness and their families to recover compensation. As an expert in this area she provides guidance and reassurance at a time when they are experiencing extreme confusion and anxiety over their options.

Anna is a member of Poole|Alcock Solicitors, based in six locations in the North West. As partner in their personal injury department Anna’s goal is to continue recovering compensation for clients who have suffered injury or illness as a result of someone else’s negligence.

You can download their very informative brochure “Your Specialist Asbestos Disease Solicitor” here