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Asbestosis

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Mechanism

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On exposure to asbestos, the larger fibers are filtered in the nasal passage and the upper airways. The minute fibers, in the size range of 3 µm, penetrate the lower airways of the lungs. These fibers are recognized as foreign agents and are, therefore attacked by the macrophages which are components of the body’s immune system.

When the macrophage engulfs the fibers, they get destroyed due to the size of these fibres. The entry of more macrophages to attack the free fibre releases enzymes and free radicals, which has the potential to damage the lung cells. Fibers, with diameters smaller than 3 micrometers, can even penetrate cell membranes.






As a result of damage, the lung tissue gets fibrosed. Initially, the damage is localized and confined to a small area, The person then starts developing symptoms of lung disease. As the exposure to asbestos continues, the fibrosis extends and sometimes the entire lung becomes scarred.

Scarring of the alveoli or air sacs leads to respiratory distress in the affected individuals.
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If you have a question about health related issues, you can now post it in our Ask An Expert section on our community website Medwonders.com and get answers from our panel of experts.
Posted by:  asbestosis  Posted on: 10/29/2009
Asbestos is very dangerous and cause disease Asbestosis, but in my country, asbestos is still used and the government does not forbid

zaki



Posted by:  RobatAsbestosis  Posted on: 10/06/2009
Hi - we are looking for people affected to share their stories on Asbestosis, if interested please get in touch.

Cheers,




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