Asbestos exposure can have severe health implications. Whether the fibers come from a private residence or workplace makes no difference to someone suffering its ravages.
Knowing the symptoms of asbestos poisoning is necessary for catching trouble early on.
Respiratory distress
One of the primary indicators of asbestos poisoning is difficulty breathing. Individuals exposed to asbestos fibers may find themselves gasping or persistently coughing. These ailments can manifest gradually, so everyone should remain vigilant over time.
Persistent chest pain
Asbestos exposure often leads to constant chest discomfort, a natural result of inflammation or irritation in the lungs and chest cavity. One must never dismiss this matter, as it might be a red flag.
Chronic fatigue
Asbestos poisoning can lead to a lack of energy. Constant weariness may interfere with daily activities and could signal deeper concerns relating to asbestos exposure.
Unexplained weight loss
Suddenly losing weight is another potential sign. Asbestos-related health issues sometimes affect the digestive system, leading to dropping pounds without changes in diet or physical activity.
Clubbed fingers and toes
In some instances, asbestos causes clubbed extremities. This condition, known as clubbing, involves the fingertips and toes enlarging and deforming. While not exclusive to asbestos poisoning, the presence of clubbing should prompt a thorough medical evaluation.
Frequent respiratory infections
Asbestos exposure weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. If someone in contact with asbestos repeatedly faces this problem, it could indicate a compromised immune system or another chronic affliction. The likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease remains between 2% and 10%.
Those in contact with asbestos must stay alert to the reasons for worry. The faster someone with asbestos poisoning seeks treatment, the better the odds of mitigating the fallout.