Asbestos Exposures, Inhalation of Asbestos, Diagnosis, Management

Asbestos exposures peaked in the United
States in 1940-1980, but continue to occur
today

Inhalation of asbestos can lead to

- parenchymal asbestosis,
- pleural abnormalities,
- lung carcinoma, and
- mesothelioma

Diagnosis involves

- exposure and medical history,
- physical examination,
- chest radiography,
- pulmonary function tests, and
- other tests as needed

Management focuses on:

- Preventing further exposures
- Smoking cessation
- Monitoring to aid early detection
- Patient education