Although manufacturers can use it for many purposes, asbestos is a very dangerous substance. This naturally occurring mineral, when inhaled by humans, causes severe irritation of the lungs and may eventually result in aggressive cancers.
Perhaps the worst thing about asbestos is how long it takes after exposure to cause serious illnesses. Workers often receive a diagnosis of cancer decades after their workplace exposure. Recognizing some of the more common symptoms associated with mesothelioma, a cancer with a strong connection to asbestos exposure, could help you secure an early diagnosis.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight can feel like a major achievement when you change your diet or start exercising. When it happens without obvious causes, it can be reason for alarm. Your body shedding muscle mass or fat can be a sign there is something wrong that requires immediate treatment.
Excessive sweating
Sweating can serve multiple purposes for the human body. It can help you excrete certain waste products like excess water and salt. By doing so, it helps balance your internal chemistry and regulate your temperature. When you sweat excessively in unusual situations or with minimal provocation, that could be a warning sign that you need to see a doctor.
Fatigue and loss of appetite
Feeling completely drained and like all you want to do is sleep is a sign that your body may have a lot of internal stress. Loss of appetite commonly occurs during severe illness.
Either of these symptoms on their own is cause for concern, but experiencing them both simultaneously is a sign that you need to talk to your doctor. Although these symptoms are often the result of other issues, ruling out the development of mesothelioma is crucial for those who have worked with asbestos in the past.
Securing a quick diagnosis will increase what treatment options you have if you do develop mesothelioma because of your work history.