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 medical therapy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Medical Therapy
Medical Therapy
There is no curative treatment [1]. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory physiotherapy to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Nebulized medications to thin secretions may be prescribed.
- The management approach for affected patients include amelioration of symptoms, withdrawal from any persistent exposure, and reduction of risk of associated conditions.
- Risk of disease correlates with quantity of exposure, so it seems prudent to limit any further exposure in affected patients, though there is not direct data to prove this.
- Management might include:
- Vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza
- Mobilization of secretions
- Oxygen supplementation as needed
- Bronchodilator treatment as needed
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Cessation of smoking
- Monitoring for associated malignancy
References
References
- ↑ Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects, Fifth Edition, Barry I. Castleman, Aspen Publishers, ISBN 0-7355-5260-6
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]