Although pleural effusion can be encountered in various conditions, including, but not limited to, tuberculosis, arthritis, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism, asbestos exposure is very likely to result in an unusual amount of fluid build-up in the space between the layers of your pleura as well.
Asbestos exposure usually occurs when asbestos products are drilled, sanded, cut, or in any way disturbed during repairs and consolidation work. This causes asbestos crystals to disintegrate into tiny shards that can remain airborne for quite some time if disturbed. Once inhaled, these fibers become trapped in the respiratory tract for an unlimited period of time since the human body is not designed to eliminate them naturally. Asbestos fibers often get lodged in the thin lining of the chest cavity - pleura, causing reduced respiratory function.
Numerous studies have found that some patients with asbestos-related pleural diseases, such as pleural effusion, exhibit more than a million asbestos fibers per gram in their lung tissue, so the scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers is readily apparent under a microscope. It is important to mention that the effects of asbestos exposure do not become evident for 20 to 50 years after initial exposure, so being regularly evaluated by a specialist is vital if you have a history of exposure.
The symptoms of pleural effusion are not always apparent, and when they first appear, they are considered a normal part of aging. For example, incapacitating shortness of breath is a prevalent common symptom among the elderly. But its causes are many and also include prolonged exposure to asbestos in occupational settings. Asbestos exposure can cause acute, subacute, or chronic exudative pleural effusion, which is a contributory factor in breathing problems and tiredness during exercise. In order to avoid a misdiagnosis, those with known asbestos exposure should get a second opinion preferably from a doctor who specializes in asbestos-related diseases.
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