The following are five questions you may want to discuss with your doctor if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis:
1. Will I have to undergo surgery or intubation?
In rare cases a lung transplant called for. Check with your doctor if you will need any surgical procedures during your treatment.
2. How long will it take me to recover completely?
Doctors generally do not find a total recovery for non-mesothelioma patients. At best it is managed/treated through prevention techniques and continued medication.
3. What can I do to make sure I don’t have a relapse of asbestosis?
Prevention includes staying away from areas that have demolishing of asbestos works going.
• It includes moving out of homes that have asbestos material used in their roofing, etc.
• Using a forced-draught ventilation system in homes with asbestosis patients
• Usage of masks to avoid possible inhalation if you are living in area where known asbestos spots have been disturbed or damaged.
• Abstaining from smoking.
4. Is the treatment reimbursed by health insurance companies?
Cancer insurance policies usually do cover asbestosis-related lung cancers but you will need to check with your insurance company and doctor. Other forms of asbestosis may also be covered by the government of United States (website: http://www.mirg.org/asbestos-exposure/ ).
5. What is the prognosis for Asbestosis?
Complications may arise depending on the level and duration of exposure to asbestos fiber inhalation.
• Generally, thinning of blood vessels occurs over a period of time due to fibrosis at various points of the ling and a resulting inner swelling of arteries. This leads to high blood pressure.
• This pulmonary hypertension can lead to heart failure.
• Cancer of the lungs is more prevalent in those asbestosis patients who smoke since a combination of tobacco and other toxic ingredients of a cigarette along with the asbestos deposit start the growth of carcinoma cells.
• Pleural thickening, formation of calcium deposits in the pleura and abnormal accumulation of fluid between the membranes may occur.
• Lastly, risk of malignant mesothelioma always exists especially in those who have been exposed to asbestos fiber or dust inhalation for a very long period of time (say, since childhood). In such cases, there is no cure and leads to fatality.
• Prevention standards are answered above.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com