Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a fibrotic disease characterized by permanent scarring of lung tissue and is usually accompanied by pleural plaques. Depending on its severity, asbestosis may also result in severe lung impairment. Smoking is not considered a cause of asbestosis, but the habit can aggravate the condition and can increase the risk of developing lung cancer if you’ve already been exposed to asbestos.

People suffering from significant asbestosis can experience progressive fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and even death. However, these symptoms may not develop until 10 to 30 years after the asbestos exposure occurred. Asbestosis also can be misdiagnosed, as its symptoms are often confused with asthma or other respiratory ailments such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or COPD.