Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Linked to Extended Asbestos Exposure

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The health risks associated with asbestos became widely known in the early 1980s, and the Navy stopped using asbestos-containing materials on the new ships. Nonetheless, decades of construction, repair, or renovation of ships in the shipyards and service on these vessels exposed the personnel to the harmful effects of asbestos.

Asbestos breaks into microscopic fibers that can remain suspended in the air for hours and become stuck within tissues if breathed in or ingested. The fibers penetrate deep into the pulmonary system and, over time, can cause lung scarring, making breathing progressively difficult.

Asbestos exposure is responsible for asbestosis and other respiratory system diseases, among them idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) - the most common type of interstitial lung disease. According to the results of many new studies, a proportion of IPF may be due to unknown exposure to asbestos. As the symptoms and presentation of asbestosis and IPF can be identical, the key to their diagnosis is whether a patient knows about their asbestos exposure.

Early Detection Can Change the Prognosis of Life Expectancy for Veterans Diagnosed With IPF

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects the tissue surrounding the air sacs in your lungs. The sooner you're diagnosed, the sooner your treatment can begin. The progression of the disease differs from person to person, there can be no symptoms at first, but the following symptoms can develop as the disease progresses:

  • persistent dry cough
  • chest pain or tightness
  • loss of appetite
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue
  • muscle aches
  • joint pain
  • unintentional weight loss
  • clubbing
  • leg swelling

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can look a lot like other regular lung diseases, which can make diagnosis challenging. Aside from the physical exam listening for abnormal sounds like crackling with the stethoscope, there are a series of concluding tests in the diagnosis of IPF:

  • blood tests
  • imaging tests (chest X-ray or a CT scan )
  • pulmonary function tests
  • oxygen desaturation study
  • biopsy

How to Avoid Misdiagnosis, a Very Common Incidence When Dealing With Asbestos Exposure

Since the symptoms of the pulmonary diseases that develop from asbestos exposure are very similar to those of the common pulmonary affections, asbestos-related conditions often get misdiagnosed.

Given that a correct diagnosis is most important for receiving the proper treatment and obtaining compensation from the VA, it is advisable to get a second or even third opinion from doctors outside the VA.

When establishing the diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, a detailed medical and occupational history is needed, along with a chest X-ray and CT scan showing the damage in the lung tissues. These factors together contribute to receiving a precise and correct diagnosis and avoiding the distress of being one of the misdiagnosed asbestos exposure cases.

Veterans With Asbestos-Exposure Related Cancerous Diagnosis Can Apply for Financial Compensation

If you've served on a ship or worked in a shipyard before the early 1980s, chances are you were exposed to asbestos. If you experience any of the described symptoms, you should consult a doctor and receive a diagnosis.

Should you consider taking legal action and filing a claim with the VA to receive the financial compensation you deserve, a correct asbestos-related cancerous diagnosis will help you qualify for payment and provide you with the medical documentation needed for claims. If you, a fellow service member, or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with asbestos cancer, we can help you contact the best legal specialist for your case.

If you have a cancer diagnosis please contact us

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