Expert diagnosis and treatment for thoracic and respiratory conditions, supporting your breathing and quality of life.
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Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used for over 4500 years. Asbestos is one of the most useful and versatile materials known to mankind because of its flexibility, tensile strength, insulation (from heat and electricity) and chemical inertness. Asbestos is now a banned substance in Australia due to its dangerous effects on the lungs and its connection to lung cancer.
Asbestos was used in:
Throughout the middle of the 20th century, asbestos-related lung disease occurred at very high rates because people were exposed decades earlier to asbestos. Most current patients were once exposed to asbestos in:
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time.
Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems including lung disease.
Symptoms
Physical examinations including lung function tests and a chest x-ray may be recommended by your physician.
Speak with your GP – and ask about a screening. This may include chest x-rays, CT scans and/or lung function testing.
Your GP may also decide to refer you to a thoracic physician who is a specialist in lung disease.
ASBESTOSIS
Inflammation in the lung tissue leading to fibrosis. The lung stiffens and cuts down the passage of oxygen between the air and the blood.
MESOTHELIOMA
A cancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity (pleura).
PLEURAL PLAQUES
Smooth, white, raised irregular areas of fibrous collagen tissue that develop on the pleura (lining of the lung).
Stay informed with expert tips, research updates, and wellness insights from our team of respiratory and sleep medicine professionals.
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