Asbestos-related diseases develop after asbestos exposure. Such exposure may be primary or secondary, and the time taken to develop related illnesses may take years. Symptoms also take a while before they start showing, so it is essential to be aware of the adverse effects of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related illnesses include mesothelioma, pleural thickening, asbestosis, among others. The development of such diseases depends on the level of exposure you were subjected to. For instance, people with heavy exposure, such as insulation workers, shipbuilders and boilermakers, have a shorter period before the signs start manifesting.
Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases
While the signs and symptoms may vary per individual, the common ones include:
- Chest pains
- A persistent cough that may last over three weeks
- A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can develop in the lungs or stomach. For the latter, signs to look out for are:
- Abdominal swelling and fluid build-up
- Bowel obstructions
- Loss of appetite
Have you been exposed to asbestos in the line of duty?
If you have been exposed to asbestos through an occupational activity or have exposed your loved ones to asbestos exposure at work, it is important to safeguard your legal rights. Not all exposure incidents lead to related diseases, but it is vital to get to the root of it by consulting a doctor after you start exhibiting any of the signs mentioned above.
If it is ascertained that asbestos exposure is the cause of your illness, you deserve adequate compensation. It will help you manage the condition and live a comfortable life knowing that the medical costs associated with the exposure are fully covered.