Asbestos is a group of natural minerals widely used in building materials around 1940. Later, people found out that breathing in tiny asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis. Australia banned the use and importation of asbestos in 2003. However, around 1 in 3 homes still have it inside roofs, walls or under floors, especially homes or buildings built or renovated before 1990.
Causes
Asbestosis can happen when you breathe in asbestos fibres over a long time. These fibres get stuck in your lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. The scarring makes your lungs stiff, making it harder to breathe.
Symptoms
You may not have symptoms for many years after breathing in asbestos, sometimes 10 to 30 years.
Common symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fingers swelling (clubbing)
- Weight loss (in the later stages)
Stages
Asbestosis is different for everyone. Some people live with it for a long time, while others get sicker faster. If you have asbestosis, you have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. If you also smoke, that risk becomes very high.
Getting a diagnosis
Talk to your doctor about your health history and any jobs you’ve had, especially if you worked with anything dangerous that you might have breathed in. Your doctor will likely send you to a specialist doctor.
You may need several tests before your specialist doctor can reach a diagnosis, including:
- Physical exam
- Lung function tests (breathing tests to measure how well your lungs work)
- Chest x-ray
- Chest CT scan
- Lung biopsy
Workplace exposure checklist
Use our checklist to help you talk to your doctor about harmful workplace exposures, like asbestos. It’ll help you remember each of the important things to talk about.
Recently diagnosed with asbestosis
If you’ve just found out you have asbestosis, it might feel like a lot to deal with. We’re here to help you take things step by step to understand what’s happening and how you might be feeling, and to connect you to support.
Treatment
While there’s currently no cure or treatment for asbestosis, there are ways to manage your symptoms. Research is ongoing to find new medications.
- Medications: Inhalers may be recommended to help you breathe easier, although they are not standard treatment for asbestosis. New drugs, such as anti-fibrotic medications, are being trialled to slow down lung scarring. Pain relief medications or antibiotics can be recommended for chest pain or infections, but not for everyday use.
- Oxygen therapy: If you regularly have low blood oxygen levels, your lung specialist may prescribe oxygen therapy.
- Surgery: Surgery isn’t a common option for asbestosis, but it might be needed for complications like fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) or in cases of very severe disease.
Living with asbestosis
Even though most occupational lung diseases often can’t be cured, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve how you feel. These include avoiding any further exposure, making healthier choices and exercising regularly. Find out more about living with an occupational lung disease such as asbestosis.
Occupational lung disease support nurse
Our experienced nurses provide information, support and care for people living with occupational lung disease, their families and carers. Call 1800 654 301 for a free telephone appointment or book online.
Resources
Living with occupational lung disease booklet
Occupational lung disease and compensation resource
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