Asbestosis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kim-Son H. Nguyen, M.D., M.P.A., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

History and Symptoms

Asbestosis presents with insidious onset of gradually progressive dyspnea, initially only noticeable with exertion, usually 15-30 years after initial exposure. Manifestations generally progress even if further exposure does not occur.
Cough, sputum production, and wheezing may be present in a subset, but are probably more associated with smoking or other pulmonary disease than with asbestosis.

References

Overview