A less common symptom results in the ends of fingers becoming swollen, misshaped and red due to a fluid build-up, a condition known as finger clubbing.
Diagnosing Asbestosis
Generally a GP will ask a patient about their symptoms including listening to the lungs using a stethoscope. If lungs have been damages by asbestos they will make a distinctive cracking noise. Following, the GP will ask about work history and may well suspect asbestos exposure at this point. Additional testing will help to confirm Asbestosis and include:
- Spirometer - used to test how efficient lungs work
- X Ray - to detect abnormality in the lung and lining of the lung
- CT Scan - offers more detail than x ray
Treatment of Asbestosis consists of four main areas:
- Quit smoking if a smoker.
- Vaccination against dangerous conditions, such as flu.
- Medicines to assist breathing.
- Equipment, again to assist breathing, particularly oxygen masks, ventilators etc.
Life expectancy of an Asbestosis sufferer
Life expectancy depends much on whether or not the patient develops a more serious asbestos related disease such as Mesothelioma. It is possible for patients diagnosed with asbestosis to die prematurely, but if the disease mutates into a cancer such as Mesothelioma, a patient's life expectancy is decreased dramatically. Complications that reduce life expectancy for an asbestosis sufferer include:
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
In some patients the effect of the disease causes only mild symptoms, whereas in other patients the disease reduces the flow of oxygen which can be fatal in some cases.
How much is an Asbestosis claim worth?
All cases are different. There are often two sets of damages:
General damages which cover compensation for suffering and pain.
The amount of UK Asbestosis General Damages Compensation depends on how long and how painful and seriously lungs are damaged but in 2008 Asbestosis was attracting General Damage awards between: £30,000 and £67,500. Please note these damages are for guidance only.
Special damages which include claims for loss of earnings and cost of care.
The amount of special damages depends on the amount of care needed and the number of years of lost earnings, and this may run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Act quickly!!!
It is important to get an expert at your side to offer swift professional information in a claim for compensation for Asbestosis. If you or a loved on have been the victim of Asbestos Exposure and suffer Asbestosis or suspect Asbestosis to be diagnosed contact us immediately as there are strict deadlines to bring a compensation case forward.