View source for Asbestosis (lung disease)

[[File:Asbestosis - Fibrous pleural plaque (7468458430).jpg|thumb|Asbestosis – fibrous plaques on the diaphragm caused by asbestos]]
Asbestosis is '''interstitial pulmonary fibrosis''' caused by long-term exposure to dust-containing [[asbestos]].
[[File:Asbestosis - Case 294 (15533323571).jpg|thumb|Asbestosis –  enlarged interstitium containing asbestos bodies]]

=== Etiopathogenesis ===
The fibers reach the alveolus, activate [[macrophages]], and develop an inflammatory and fibrotic process. The mechanism is not precisely clarified, the shape of the fibers and their „indestructibility“ play a role. The fibers are long and therefore cannot be eaten by a single macrophage. One fiber thus activates many cells, which creates an inflammatory reaction  – [[Reactive oxygen species |ROS]], [[cytokines]], etc. Fibers longer than 5 µm are especially dangerous. Long latency, progressing ''20 or more years''.

=== Pathology ===
Histology corresponds to other types of interstitial fibrosis. In the advanced stage, a honeycomb lung structure develops. A typical finding is an asbestos body – axial asbestos fiber coated with mucopolysaccharides, containing hemosiderin (as beads on a thread). They can also be found in healthy individuals (they are considered evidence of exposure).

=== Clinical picture ===
Initially, there is small exertional [[dyspnea]], which gradually progresses to rest. A [[cough]] with a small expectoration is present. It progresses slowly (even after being eliminated from risk). The main complication – [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]]. Physical examination – crepitus on the lung bases (may not be present).
[[Hypoxemia]], respiratory insufficiency, [[cor pulmonale]] occur in the advanced stage. With long latency, there is a high risk of developing [[mesothelioma]]. 
=== Investigation methods ===

[[Lung-X ray]] – symmetrical shading of ''irregular opacities'' basally (finding in the upper fields is small). Usually, there is [[emphysema]] in the upper fields.

=== ILO classification ===
[[File:Early Asbestosis in a Retired Pipe Fitter.jpg|thumb|Asbestosis – basal X-ray shading]]
Fine striping, mesh (s), medium-coarse (t), coarse, irregular shadows (u) [[Computed tomography |CT]], [[High Resolution Computed Tomography |HRCT]]. Pulmonary function examination – restrictive disorder, reduced compliance, diffusion capacity for CO.
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== Links ==
=== Related articles ===
* [[Asbestos]]
* [[Asbestos diseases]]
* [[Mesothelioma]]
* [[Carboniferous pneumoconiosis]]
* [[Pneumoconiosis]]

=== Source ===
* {{Cite| type = web| surname1 = Beneš| name1 = Jiří| source_name = Studijní materiály| article = asbestosa| srok = 2010| cited = 24.02.2010| url = https://jirben.wz.cz|}}

=== References ===
* {{Cite| type = book| surname1 = Pelclová| name1 = Daniela| title = Nemoci z povolání a intoxikace| edition = 2| place = Praha| publisher = Karolinum| year = 2006| range = 207| isbn = 80-246-1183-X}}
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