In most cases, asbestos exposure does not present immediate signs and symptoms. Most people who experience symptoms today suffered exposure between 10 and 40 years ago. Once symptoms do begin to develop, your experience will depend greatly on the type of disease you have, the severity of the damage to your lungs, and many other factors. However, most asbestos-related conditions generate symptoms of shortness of breath and chronic cough.
If you were exposed to asbestos at any point in your life, it is a good idea to tell your doctor. Because most symptoms do not show up until the damage to your lungs is severe, your doctor may want to monitor for or screen you for asbestos-related conditions each year.
Asbestos Can Lead to Many Serious Medical Conditions
Because asbestos fibers are light and thin, they easily become airborne. This means anyone nearby breathes them in, and the fibers embed in their lungs. These fibers can penetrate the tissue and remain there for decades. During that time, they cause damage, scarring, and inflammation.
Embedded fibers can cause a host of problems, most of which take years or decades to develop. Some of the most common diagnoses related to asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis, a syndrome caused by scarring of the lung tissues (known as fibrosis)
- Asbestos-related lung cancers
- Mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer affecting the membrane that lines the outside of the lungs
- Pleural effusion, fluid build-up around the outside of the lungs
- Pleural plaques, hardened areas of the outside of the lungs and diaphragm
- Thickening of the previously expandable tissues around the lungs
All these conditions can progress and eventually cause very serious symptoms that make it difficult or impossible to breathe.
Treating and Living With the Signs and Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
All asbestos-related lung conditions occur because of the damage asbestos fibers do when someone inhales them. There is no treatment that can reverse this damage, and many conditions continue to progress even when asbestos exposure stops. However, when you have an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may be able to put a treatment plan in place that can:
- Relieve your pain and make it easier to breathe
- Slow the progression of your condition
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Extend your life
- Improve your quality of life
Because many of the signs and symptoms of asbestos-related lung conditions result from breathing issues or lowered oxygen levels in your body, supplemental oxygen therapy often helps. Lung rehabilitation may also help with symptoms of non-malignant conditions.
If doctors diagnosed you with an asbestos-related cancer, such as small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Compensation to Help Cover Your Treatment and Medical Care
A diagnosis of an asbestos-related medical condition may qualify you to take legal action against the asbestos company that caused your exposure to this deadly material. You should not have to pay for your care or related expenses out-of-pocket. The asbestos company that made money while you worked and breathed in their dangerous fibers should pay for your treatment and other damages.
Asbestos lawsuits continue to grow. For decades, workers and others who suffered asbestos exposure and later developed related medical concerns have held asbestos companies liable for their actions. Hundreds of thousands of people already recovered awards in this type of case.
Many people opt to work with asbestos attorneys to build a compelling case and pursue a settlement. The evidence required in these cases includes:
- Work records
- Proof of exposure and identification of the involved company or companies
- Medical records
- Medical expert witnesses, in some cases
- Documentation of your related expenses and losses
Our Asbestos Lawyers Offer Free Case Reviews
Asbestos lawyers from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will evaluate your case for free. With your history of asbestos exposure and a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease or condition, we may be able to pursue an award on your behalf. Let us sit down with you to discuss your case.
With our team on your side, you never pay attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket. We also charge nothing upfront. We receive our fees only after we recover a payout in your case, whether we reach a settlement or secure an award on your behalf.
Because there are few signs or symptoms related to immediate asbestos exposure, it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect that you have been exposed. If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now at (800) 217-6099 to learn more about how our team can pursue a legal award for you.
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