Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Asbestosis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
History and Symptoms
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.
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]