Fibrocalcific disease is a condition in which the lining of the lungs becomes thickened and hardened. One of the causes of this disease is exposure to asbestos, a silica compound which can create a variety of lung diseases, including cancer. Here's some more information about asbestosis and its effect on lungs.
History
Asbestos is a form of silica with long, fibrous crystals. It became popular in the late 1800s as a building material due to its resistance to heat and electrical damage, as well as its strength and ability to absorb sound. Asbestos use was especially prevalent in buildings due to its flame-retardant properties.
Significance
There are three forms of asbestosis, and all are known to cause lung disease. These conditions are commonly grouped into one of three categories: asbestosis, pleural disease (including fibrocalcific pulmonary residuals) and lung cancer. In most cases, the people who develop medical conditions are those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos on a daily basis, especially people who worked in mines, mills, factories or homes with asbestos.
Size
Asbestos fibers can cause lung disease as a result of inhalation. Most inhalable asbestos fibers are too small to see, generally measuring 200 micrometers in length. These tiny fibers are caused by the breaking down of larger crystalline fibers under pressure. Once inhaled, these fibers will settle within the lung tissue, but may become airborne again through small air currents or sudden forces, such as coughing.
Effects
Fibrocalcific pulmonary residuals are a form of asbestos-related pleural disease. In this condition, the asbestos fibers migrate to the outside of the lung tissue and can cause scarring of connective tissue. Calcification can then result from previously damaged tissue, causing the fibrocalcific residuals, which can be detected on an X-ray scan. This condition on its own is considered to be harmless and is often the only symptom of asbestos exposure.
Warning
Occasionally, this form of asbestos exposure can lead to an effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. While this condition may be only temporary and go away on its own, it can sometimes result in pain or bleeding around the lungs. This can cause thickening and even scarring of the lung tissue, limiting their ability to expand. Ultimately, this condition can result in chronic shortness of breath.
Tags: lung tissue, this condition, around lungs, asbestos exposure, cause lung, cause lung disease, lung disease