Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers, a material used in the past in construction and industry. Those fibers cause scarring of the lung tissue, which reduces its elasticity.

Common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath that worsens with exertion
• A dry, persistent cough
• A sensation of tightness in the chest

Contributing factors: Occupational exposure to asbestos over years, especially without respiratory protection, is the factor most related to this condition.

Which specialist treats it? The pulmonologist is the one who evaluates and follows up on lung diseases, which is why they are the one indicated to evaluate this condition. If you worked with materials that contain asbestos and notice difficulty breathing, discussing it with a professional helps guide the evaluation.