September 5, 2011

Asbestosis Vs Pleural Plaques

While we now know that asbestos is a carcinogenic material that can cause a range of separate diseases in our bodies, it was once very beloved and used in all things from vinyl flooring to ceiling tiles in our houses and even brake pads on our cars. Because it can take years for asbestos-related disorders to manifest themselves, things like asbestosis and pleural plaques may now just diagnosed in someone even though asbestos was banned beginning in the late 1980s.

Asbestosis and pleural plaques are similar disorders practically solely caused by exposure to asbestos. There are two reasons why asbestos is so bad for our bodies. First, it is a carcinogen, which means it can mutate our Dna so that cells grow and divide rapidly, construction into malignant tumors. Also, it cannot be degraded by our bodies. This means that it can come to be lodged in our tissues from inhalation or ingestion and can remain there forever. Typically, our bodies must originate special nodules of tissues surrounding the fibers so that they do not irritate the rest of our system.

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Both asbestosis and pleural plaques are characterized by scarring of the lungs due to asbestos fibers lodged in the tissue. The formation of pleural plaques is legitimately the most coarse health qoute resulting from asbestos exposure because the scarring can be caused even by a short and intermittent exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis tends to ensue from heavy, long-term exposure to asbestos.

Pleural plaque formation is typically a safe problem. The asbestos fibers in the lungs cause the formation of fibrosis collagen deposits that appear as white and plane areas in and around the lungs. These deposits can also come to be calcified. They are regularly detected on a chest x-ray that is performed for a separate hypothesize than to check for plaques.

Asbestosis is more severe than the buildup of plaques. The scarring that occurs because of asbestos exposure legitimately stiffens the lung tissue itself. This prevents it from flexing to advance and contract so that you can breathe normally. Thus, asbestosis is typically discovered when a someone has breathing problems. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. In extreme cases, it can cause finger clubbing.

While pleural plaques are not inherently dangerous, they can signify that you are at risk for developing lung cancer or mesothelioma. On the other hand, asbestosis can cause serious complications such as pulmonary hypertension, heart problems, and cancer also.

Because asbestos exposure is so perilous and can cause pleural plaques, asbestosis, as well as other perilous illnesses, it's no surprise that asbestos is now illegal. However, if you or someone you know has developed an asbestos-related disease, you should speak to a lawyer about your rights.

For more information, talk to a Williams Kherkher asbestos attorney today.

Asbestosis Vs Pleural Plaques