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Asbestosis Asbestosis is a breathing condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the parenchyma tissue of the lungs. Long term exposure asbestos in many trades during the 20th century have resulted in thousands of cases of asbestosis Asbestosis is caused by inhaling high levels of asbestos fibers. Prolonged accumulation of these fibers in your lungs can lead to scarring of lung tissue and diminished breathing capacity. Signs and symptoms of asbestosis usually don't appear until years after exposure. But once apparent, the condition often worsens and can lead to disability and even death if exposure to asbestos continues. Symptoms of Asbestosis The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don't show up for 20 to 30 years after initial exposure. Signs and symptoms develop when damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibers lead to stiffness in your lung tissue so that your lungs can't contract and expand normally (a form of pulmonary fibrosis). Some of the signs and symptoms of asbestosis include: Shortness of breath, initially only with exertion, but eventually even while resting Decreased tolerance for physical activity Coughing Chest pain Finger clubbing in some cases In severe, advanced cases, this may lead to respiratory failure. Coughing is not usually a typical symptom, unless the patient has other, concomitant respiratory tract diseases. People most likely to develop asbestosis are those who've been exposed to asbestos for a long time. Most people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the mid-1970s. Today, its handling is strictly regulated. Still, experts estimate that since the 1940s up to 10 million people may have been exposed to asbestos. The good news is that most people with a history of prolonged exposure don't develop asbestosis, and the risk of asbestosis diminishes every day away from exposure. These days, most instances of asbestos exposure occur during removal of old asbestos products or demolition of old buildings. If you live, work or study in a building where existing asbestos has been contained and sealed, you're not at risk of asbestosis and only at a remote risk of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the membranes lining the chest and abdominal cavities. Should You Test? Yes if: you have breathing problems; and anyone with prolonged exposure to asbestos, or anyone who thinks they have had prolonged exposure to asbestos; Initial testing is an x-ray (four view is best: front, back, side, and oblique) which should be reviewed by a certified B reader radiologist. Its recommended that they be board certified. Further tests may include a pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan (high resolution thin slice CT also known as an HRCT) and/or biopsy. Its most common to have the chest x-rays or HRCT first if no symptoms. Please be aware that it is your right to know what these tests reveal. Do not be afraid to question your doctor about your condition and to explain it in such a way that you understand. It may be prudent to get a second opinion if surgery is indicated.