Diagnosing Asbestosis
Diagnosis of asbestosis is usually dependant upon the results shown by a CT scan and a detailed history of your exposure to asbestos by your GP.
Chest x-ray
Plain x-rays can often show changes in the substance (parenchyma) of the lung that are suggestive of asbestosis. However, other conditions can sometimes cause the same changes including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung fibrosis associated with certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) and connective tissue diseases (such as progressive systemic sclerosis). If pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening or pleural effusions are also detected this will be indicative of substantial past asbestos exposure and may be persuasive that any fibrosis present was in fact caused by asbestos inhalation.
Lung function tests
Lung function tests measure the volume of air that you are able to inhale and exhale and also the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood under specific condition.
Asbestosis can restrict lung capacity in a characteristic manner. Comparison of lung function tests over time are often used as an indicator of progression of asbestosis.
Bronchoscopy / biopsy
A lung biopsy usually indicates whether there are asbestos bodies present in the lung tissue. A bronchoscopy can detect asbestos in the bronchoalveolar fluid or sputum. In practice, both of these procedures are only carried out occasionally.
Computer tomography scans (CT scans)
A high resolution CT scan is an image produced by an x-ray source that rotates around the patient. High frequency energy beams (x-rays) are passed through you and detected by sensors on the other side. The information is analysed by a computer to produce a cross section image. A CT scan will be able to detect abnormalities in tissue that would not show up on a plain x-ray.
Comparison of CT scans taken over time is a method of assessing the progression of asbestosis.
Detailed history
There is no substitute to taking a detailed history from you about past asbestos exposure and the likely sources whether occupational, environmental or in the home, although domestic exposure to asbestos is highly unlikely to lead to asbestosis.
Other lung diseases
Other respiratory diseases that are not caused by asbestos include:
- Pleurisy which is an infection of the lining of the lung often treated with antibiotics
- Pneumonia which is inflammation of the lungs caused by infection and again is usually treated with antibiotics
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome which is a condition in which there is a build up of fluid in both lungs and requires treatment in intensive care
What treatments are available for asbestosis?...
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