The word asbestosis is often misleadingly used by people (including medics) to describe a whole range of asbestos-related conditions. Asbestosis is in fact a very specific condition, being fibrosis of the lung cavities arising from heavy exposure to asbestos fibres in the past. A diagnosis of asbestosis will be made on the basis of a review of a person’s symptoms, their X-rays and/or CT scan results and a history of extensive exposure to asbestos.
In asbestosis cases, the asbestos fibres cause scarring and thickening of the lungs. This can lead to a loss of elasticity and shrinking of the lung cavities. Symptoms of asbestosis can include breathlessness, chest pain or tightness, a persistent cough and general tiredness. Although there is no cure for asbestosis, the symptoms can be reduced with the use of appropriate medication and oxygen therapy.
Asbestosis can develop in anyone who has had extensive contact with asbestos in the past. Common types of worker who can claim compensation for asbestosis are:
- Builders
- Plumbers
- Laggers
- Electricians
- Fitters
- Power station workers
The clinical appearance of asbestosis can be very similar to that of other lung conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitisis and the use of an appropriate medical expert in this field together with an experienced asbestos solicitor is essential for an asbestosis claim to succeed.
Contact us to make a claim for compensation for asbestosis.
