Development of Fibrosis

When scar tissue in the interstitium becomes advanced and there is large-scale injury to tissue in this area of the lung, this is called fibrosis; or, more specifically, interstitial fibrosis or asbestosis. The first onset of asbestosis symptoms sometimes takes place years after asbestos exposure. Manifestations of asbestosis rarely occur less than 10 years following first exposure and are more common after 20 years or more. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk for developing asbestosis, not just the workers who directly handled the fibers.

The most common symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath. In fact, asbestosis has been called a monosymptomatic disease because shortness of breath is consistently reported and is the most distressing symptom. Breathing occurs with heavy effort and becomes more difficult as the disease progresses. Asbestosis is also associated with persistent and productive cough, and sometimes with distressing spasms. Chest tightening, chest pain, ill feeling, fitful sleep and appetite loss have also been associated with asbestosis, but not as commonly as shortness of breath.