Asbestos exposure symptoms are a "red flag" that should send an individual straight to a physician — preferably a physician who is familiar with asbestos diseases (e.g., asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma). The sooner that an asbestos disease is identified in a patient, the sooner that his or her treatment will begin. This is particularly important for cancers caused by asbestos exposure.
Tell Your Doctor about Symptoms Related to Asbestos Exposure
Although asbestos exposure symptoms are somewhat 'vague' in that they could be signs of many possible medical conditions, an individual who is experiencing any of the following symptoms should tell his or her doctor about it and discuss the possibility of asbestos exposure:
- shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing
- a persistent cough that gets worse over time, or a change in cough pattern
- blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs
- pain or tightening in the chest
- pain in the abdomen
- difficulty swallowing
- significant weight loss, particularly if it's unexplained
- fatigue or anemia
- swelling of the neck and/or face
- loss of appetite
Factors Involved in Asbestos Exposure Symptoms
There are a number of factors that contribute to how severe an individual's asbestos exposure symptoms will be, including:
- how much asbestos the individual was exposed to
- how long the individual was exposed to the asbestos
- the type and size of the asbestos fibers — there are six types of asbestos
- the source of the asbestos
- the individual's own risk factors, including general health and whether s/he smokes
Schedule Appointments with a Doctor and a Lawyer
If you suspect that you're experiencing asbestos exposure symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Once your asbestos exposure symptoms are confirmed, it is in your best interest to contact an asbestos attorney who will be able to evaluate the source of your exposure and fight to recover compensation for the damages you incurred, including past, present and future medical costs and emotional pain and suffering.
