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Asbestosis

Causes
Asbestosis is a serious and debilitating lung condition. The sole cause of asbestosis is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos miners and manufactures, construction workers, maintenance personnel and anyone working in a building with asbestos are at risk for exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these conditions may not surface for years after the exposure.

Signs and Symptoms
As mentioned above the symptoms of asbestosis often do not show up until many years after the initial exposure. Symptoms of asbestosis can include:

• Shortness of breath (getting worse over time)
• Inability to exercise
• Chronic coughing
• Chest pain
• Finger deformity (clubbing)

Of this list increasingly persistent shortness of breath is the most common symptom of asbestosis.

Treatment
Though there is no cure for asbestosis there are some treatments that can help alleviate symptoms of the disease. The first step in treating asbestosis is ensuring that the sufferer is no longer being exposed to asbestos. After making sure that the exposure has ended the following treatments may be used:

• Smoking cessation
• Vaccines (protect patient from getting the flu or pneumonia)
• Medications (asthma medications and/or blood thinners may be used)
• Lung transplant (in extreme cases)
• Respiratory physiotherapy
• Oxygen and other breathing treatments

Asbestosis cases can be difficult to prove. The late onset of symptoms can make proving exposure very difficult. At Van Dorn & Curtiss we know how to maximize your NH and Vermont workers compensation benefits. Please contact the attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

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