Overview

• Asbestosis → Type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres. Typically occurs 5-10 years after heavy exposure.
• Restrictive interstitial lung disease with symtpoms caused by fibrotic changes in the lungs
• Risk Factors → occupations involving manufacture or demolition of ships, plumbing, roofing, insulation + smoking

Asbestos may also cause ⇒ pleural plaques and pleural thickening

<aside> 💡 Pleura is most common part of lung affected in asbestos related disease.

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Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

• Long latent period → most patients asymptomatic 15-20 years after exposure
• Progressive Dyspnoea → typically exertional
• Dry Cough → progresses to Productive Cough
• Digital Clubbing
• FLAWS + haemoptysis ⇒ malignancy

Investigations:

• CXR → diffuse bilateral infiltrates (fibrosis) in lower lobes

  <aside> 💡 Asbestosis ⇒ lower lobe fibrosis

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• Lung Function → restrictive pattern