Asbestosis Treatment

treatment for asbestosis

There is no cure available. The target of asbestosis treatment is to help patients breathe easier, stop colds and other breathing infections, and control complications associated with advanced disease. Asbestosis treatment is aimed at preventing progression and relieving symptoms. The most important factor in stopping progression is ceasing asbestos exposure. Most of the time, scarring of lung tissue does not begin or progress when exposure has stopped.

Close monitoring for mesothelioma is remitted. Stopping further exposure is vital. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes breathing treatments to get rid of secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary, oxygen therapy relieves shortness of breath.

Occasionally, severe cases of asbestosis could be treated with lung transplantation. Ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifiers or controlled coughing can loosen bronchial secretions. Draining liquid from across the lungs using a procedure called thoracentesis also may make breathing easier. Occasionally, lung transplantation has been successful in treating asbestosis.

Doctors regularly treat the complication of pulmonary hypertension with medicines to expand or relax blood vessels, and blood-thinning medicines to prevent blood clots from forming and obstructing narrowed vessels.

Mesotheliomas are usually lethal ; most people with mesotheliomas die inside one to four years of diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiation care don’t work well, and surgical removal of the growth does not cure the malignancy. Other treatment is concentrated on controlling discomfort and lack of breath, in an attempt to save as much quality-of-life as possible.

Aerosol medicines to thin secretions may be prescribed. Antibiotics might to combat infection. Aspirin or acetominophen ( Tylenol ) can relieve minor pain and bronchodilators that are swallowed or inhaled can relax and widen breathing passages. Diuretics ( drugs that increase urine production and excretion) or digitalis glycoside (Digitalis purpurea) are prescribed for some patients.

Regular exercise helps maintain and improve lung capacity. Though temporary bed rest might be advised, patients are encouraged to resume their regular activities as soon as they can.

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