Asbestosis Treatments
Asbestosis treatments include stopping smoking, vaccinations against certain lung conditions such as flu, using medications to ease breathing and the use of oxygen equipment if breathing problems are severe.
These treatments will all help to control the symptoms of asbestosis and thereby make your quality of life much improved.
Quitting Smoking
You must stop smoking immediately if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis as smoking will exacerbate you breathing problems and significantly increase your risk of lung cancer.
Smoking and asbestosis combined are believed to leave you more susceptible to lung cancer than either just smoking or just having asbestosis would.
A non-smoker suffering from asbestosis is 3 times more likely to get lung cancer than someone who doesn't smoke or have asbestosis.
A smoker without asbestosis is five and a half times more likely to get lung cancer than a non-smoker without asbestosis.
A smoker who has asbestosis and who also smokes is fourteen times more likely to develop lung cancer than a non-smoker who does not have asbestosis.
If you find it too difficult to quit smoking on your own, ask your doctor for advice and to chat about nicitine replacement alternatives or medication which can help. Alternatively you can contact the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 022 4 332.
Vaccinations
Asbestosis makes you more susceptible to infections in your lungs so you should make sure you get vaccinated against influenza (annually) and the pneumococcus bacteria as these can cause serious chest infections. Pneumococcus bacteria usually requires just one injection although your gp may recommend booster doses if he feels you require them.
Medicines
Bronchodilators are often used in the treatment of asbestosis and are usually administered by inhaler. The inhaler will allow a small dose of medicine to be directly delivered into your lungs allowing them to relax and open up. This in turn makes breathing less laboured.
Theophyllines may also be required to treat your asbestosis. This medicine is taken orally and again it relaxes the muscles in your airways making breathing easier.
Unfortunately theophyllines sometimes cause unpleasant side effects which can include insomnia, headaches, nausea/ vomiting, upset stomach and irritability.
Oxygen therapy
For some sufferers of asbestosis breathing still remains difficult and they may require the use of oxygen. The oxygen is delivered through a machine known as an oxygen concentrator.
An oxygen concentrator works by purifying the oxygen in the air making it more oxygen rich. This air is then inhaled through a mask. It is crucially important that neither you or anyone else smokes whilst the oxygen concentrator is in use as it could lead to a fire or even an explosion.
Alongside the oxygen concentrator you may also have a portable oxygen tank and mask which can be used when you are out and about.
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