Asbestosis

People exposed to asbestos, which is a carcinogenic material, usually develop two types of disease, mesothelioma and asbestosis. To understand more about asbestosis and mesothelioma see explanation below.

Mesothelioma

mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the protective cover from the body's internal organs is called mesothelium. While this is most often seen in the outer layer of the lungs and internal chest wall, also can affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and heart.

This does not happen immediately, but takes a long time to be diagnosed. It is not unusual as asbestosis but more fatal. Symptoms include:
Lining of the lungs: Layers of the abdominal cavity: severe cases:

Chest pain Abdominal pain Blood clots in the veins
Fluid in the lungs of fluid in the abdominal bleeding in the organs of the body
Shortness of breath abdominal mass Jaundice
Fatigue and bowel function are not correct anemia low blood sugar levels
Coughing and wheezing Weight of blood clot pulmonary artery loss
Blood in the sputum severe ascites

Mesothelima can be diagnosed using X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies of the affected areas through the use of a thoracoscopy. Although the disease is fatal, there are many treatments available to help in the fight against it.

The usual methods of treatment do for mesotheioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which is a treatment used in the fight against cancer. There are other experimental treatments are also available such as gene therapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Asbestosis

asbestosis

Asbestosis is an inflammatory condition and chronic pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaling asbestos. People exposed to asbestos for a long time to develop long-term disease that can develop into lung cancer.

Asbestos fibers inhaled by a person can be embedded in lung tissue in causing it to scar which in turn can lead to fibrosis. The network will harden and become ineffective in absorbing oxygen causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

There is no cure for asbestosis, and proceeds slowly and may eventually lead to cardiovascular problems, arterial hypoxemia, and respiratory failure but there are several solutions available to relieve symptoms.
One is oxygen therapy to help patients breathe and to correct hypoxia. Nebulizer can be used to remove lung secretions. Because of damage to the lungs of patients with asbestosis, he is more prone to getting influenza and other infections, so he should be vaccinated to help prevent the onset of other diseases that can aggravate the condition.

Brief summary of asbestosis and mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, and internal chest wall while Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the lungs that can cause lung cancer.
Both are caused by inhaling asbestos and they develop for a long time, but mesothelioma can affect other parts of the body when asbestosis is usually only affects the lungs.
Both have no known cure, but mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation while the symptoms asbestosis can be reduced by oxygen therapy, vaccination against the virus, and the removal of lung secretions.

Asbestosis can be a disease, painful crippling. Lung tissue scarring restrict breathing patterns and often causes severe chest pain. Some patients have described the feeling of breathing as if sandpaper is friction in the lungs.
While this condition is not curable, there are medical treatments that alleviate symptoms and allow patients to breathe more easily. Among the accepted medical treatment for asbestosis is a bronchodilator, Thoracentesis and anti-inflammatory.
Some patients also find relief through alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and homeopathic medicines. While none of these treatments offer a cure for asbestosis, many of them offer relief from pain, reduce inflammation, and improved lung function. Alternative therapies most commonly used are listed below.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of relieving symptoms and cure the disease by stimulating the nerve centers with a fine needle. Once regarded as "quackery," acupuncture has become more popular over the last few decades. Many health insurers will now pay for acupuncture treatments to relieve pain, stress and anxiety.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific trigger points in the body. Dangerous side effects almost nothing, especially when performed by a skilled acupuncturist. Asbestosis many patients who say they acupuncture reduces the pain and make breathing easier. Acupuncture is one of the most acceptable alternative therapy for asbestosis and other conditions.
Biofeedback and Meditation
Meditation can relieve tension and anxiety, and help patients cope with pain and discomfort. Since many of the exercises in meditation requires awareness of breathing, guided meditation can help patients breathe more easily. The use of biofeedback and meditation have been suggested to be more effective together because feedback helps patients recognize and focus on the purpose of control of bodily functions. One goal of combining the two is to gain control over involuntary body functions such as breathing and heartbeat. For more information about using meditation and biofeedback as a complementary or alternative therapy for asbestosis, talk to a medical professional with experience in treating asbestosis.
Massage Therapy
Various forms of massage therapy may be effective in reducing pain and reduce shortness of breath for patients with asbestosis. Some practitioners believe that massage therapy can also help stimulate the immune system and circulation. Massage does not have harmful side effects, and may be covered by traditional health insurance policy as a palliative treatment for asbestosis.
Medical Nutrition
Although there is no cure for asbestosis nutritional officially recognized, there are dietary changes that can ease pain and breathing. Avoiding food additives and reduce the use of dairy products and gluten can make breathing easier. A healthy diet will also help patients cope with pain, stress, and anxiety.

Herbal Medicine
There are some medications that can help in reducing breathing limited to those who suffer from asbestosis. Patients should discuss any nutritional or herbal supplements with their doctor before start taking them. Keep in mind that "herbal" and "all natural" drugs that cause chemical reactions in the body and may conflict with other drugs.
Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathy makes use of herbs, minerals, and tinctures to treat various conditions and diseases. Homeopathy is used by holistic practitioners trained. A homeopathic practitioner may prescribe medication and offer lifestyle advice to help patients manage pain and other symptoms.
Most medical practitioners recommend this therapy as a complement to traditional medicine rather than as an alternative.
For more general information about asbestosis, please see the articles on asbestosis below:

References:

Asbestosis

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

Friday, September 23, 2011

Asbestosis Alternative Treatment