Mesothelioma and Asbestos Blog

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is mined from rock in various countries throughout the world. Research shows that 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Doctors are unsure what the other causes of the illness, since asbestos exposure is the most common cause. However, mesothelioma has also been linked to radiation exposure in rare cases.

Asbestos History

In the 1960’s the first relation was made between asbestos and the illness known as mesothelioma.

Asbestos was being imported in mass amounts to the UK and was being used in construction, shipbuilding and in household appliances. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers that can be easily inhaled and contracted.

Exposure to Asbestos

When the fibers become released, they can become embedded in the lungs and when the body attempts to break them down, it can lead to an inflammation in the tissue of the lungs.

These tiny fibers can also penetrate through the tissue and settle in the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lung.

People who are most likely to be exposed to asbestos are:
·    Construction Workers
·    Plumbers
·    Electricians
·    Boilermakers
·    Shipbuilders

Types of Asbestos

There are three main types of asbestos: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos were most commonly linked with mesothlioma, but recent studies have shown that white asbestos can be just as harmful.

For those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the pain, both physically and mentally that comes along with such a disease, can often be life altering. This is why it’s important for all patients to learn how to direct their pain efficiently and attempt to lessen it.
Ways to Manage the Pain

Research as shown that there are several ways in which patients can manage the pain they feel while enduring the illness. Listed below are some effective ways that individuals who have mesothelioma or another illnesses related to asbestos exposure can deal with their pain.
·    Put all of your thoughts on paper- By writing about the pain that you are feeling it enables you to grasp a hold of it and in a way take control of the physical and metal feelings that you are having
 ·   Ask Questions- It’s always important for individuals who are suffering to clearly understand why they’re experiencing certain feelings. Therefore, it’s important to ask your health care professional about the pain that you are having for your own understanding and assurance
·    Get a notetaker- Although it’s sometimes hard to discuss certain feelings and the type of pain you may having, it helps to get a friend or family member to take notes about the pain you discuss with them so you can review it and use it for future reference. This helps patients to see that they have been endured such pain before, and once again, will get through it
·    Offer your own opinions about the pain- Don’t hesitate to voice your own feelings and opinions as to why you think the pain is affecting you and what you think can be done to help it go away. You may not be a doctor, but you know your own body and feelings better than anyone else

Points to Consider When Discussing Pain

When you are talking to your health care provider about your pain, it is important to consider the following points:
·    The location of your pain
·    Use descriptive words to tell about how the pain feels
·    Realize the intensity of your pain and whether or not you can control this intensity level
·    What makes the pain worse throughout the day? Is there something that sparks it such as talking, walking, coughing, etc.
·    What eases this pain? Is there something that you’ve noticed helps to diminish the feelings that you are experiencing?

Asbestos has been controversial in the past few decades as being one of the more harmful substances that the human body can be exposed to. However, some are questioning just how risky the substance is, which is leading to more confusion on an already growing problem.

Asbestos Breakdown

For years, the hazards and risks that are associated with asbestos have been debated in America and throughout the world. Human evidence has proven that there is a clear link between exposure to asbestos and diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. However, there has been a inconsistent information that is being presented to the public through the media regarding asbestos seems to have people questioning just how close this link is.

Though, while uncertainties may remain, there has been significant progress made in characterizing the key factors that are critical in assessing the health risks associated with the substance.

Progress Being Made

According to reports, there has been a good amount of progress made on a number of fronts regarding asbestos.

Scientific findings have included:

·    Amphibole fibers are more potent for the development of mesothelioma and lung cancer than chrysotile fibers
·    Longer, thin fibers are more pathogenic
·    Animal studies that show high exposure concentrations resulting in lung overloading are not relevant to humans