If you have previously worked in an asbestos environment you may be at risk of developing several lung problems including asbestosis.

You may have previously heard of the term ‘asbestos lungs’ as this is a common term for the lungs of an asbestosis sufferer. Symptoms of asbestosis begin to surface around fifteen to twenty years after the initial exposure occurs. Often some of the symptoms begin gradually and become more severe over months and years, with shortness of breath being the most common.

The common symptom of shortness of breath may at first only occur after physical activity but then begin happening when at rest eventually.

Chest pain is another symptom heavily associated with asbestosis. It is a good idea to get all chest pain checked out by a doctor in order to discover the root cause.

Often a cough is present and the cough will gradually get worse as years go on. It os easy to ignore a cough at first but asbestosis related coughs become more troublesome over time.

Another symptom which is slightly less common is that the ends of the fingers become swollen and red due to a build up of fluid in the tissues. This symptom is known as finger clubbing and is much less common than the other symptoms.

A full medical history will be taken by your GP and he/she will want to know whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos and if so how long you were exposed for. Questions will also be asked surrounding the safety precautions (if any) that were taken. Your doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and probably listen to your chest using a stethoscope. If you are suffering from asbestosis then the doctor will hear a distinctive crackling noise as you exhale.

If Asbestosis is suspected then the following three tests will be conducted – a spirometer test which measures how much oxygen you can inhale in relation to how much carbon dioxide you exhale. X-rays may be taken of your lungs and chest. If asbestos is expected to be in its early stages then a CT scan may be carried out in order to get a detailed picture of what is happening.

Hattons solicitors St Helens can help with any asbestosis claims.

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