Interstitial Lung Disease and Asbestos

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad category that covers about 200 different lung disorders. Also called interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or just pulmonary fibrosis, these different ILDs are connected in that they are all initiated by an inflammation in the lungs. Asbestos is one such material that can start the irritation.

While ILD is nonmalignant and noninfectious, it is still a chronic disorder that can have lifelong repercussions on your body. Basically, an irritant causes inflammation in the lining of the lungs, called interstitium. Interstitium is the part of the lung tissue that protects the air sacs.

While the exact reaction causing the inflammation is unknown, there are several irritants that are thought to contribute to the disorder. The main cause is environmental pollutants, while drugs, radiation, and other diseases like sarcoidosis and collagen problems can also cause inflammation. Additionally, inhaling asbestos fibers has also been shown to cause interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Asbestos fibers are used in a number of different products from clutch pads to ceiling tiles to fire doors. This is no surprise considering the benefits that come with utilizing this substance. Asbestos is part of the silicate family. As a silicate, this mineral is resistant to heat, flame, chemicals, electricity, and biodegradation. Also, asbestos itself is flexible and has high tensile strength, which allows it to be added to a number of other materials.

Asbestos in itself is not dangerous unless inhaled, ingested, or otherwise absorbed by the body. Although it is resistant to degradation, asbestos undergoes the natural wear-and-tear of age. As this process occurs, it breaks down into microscopic fibers that become airborne if stirred around. If you breathe them in, they can become lodged in the interstitium of your lungs.

Our bodies cannot break down asbestos. Thus, they remain stuck in the lining of the lungs, causing scarring. This scarring can spread into the alveoli, or the air sacs of the lungs. The alveoli are responsible for gathering oxygen to spread to the blood. Therefore, when they become damaged, they can lose their ability to transfer oxygen into your body, leaving you tired and out of breath.

ILD is not the only thing caused by asbestos. Exposure to the material can also contribute to cancers of the lung, throat, esophagus, gallbladder, and kidney, as well as cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural effusions. Some of these can prove to be deadly.

If you or someone you know has suffered from an asbestos-related disease, you should talk to a lawyer from Williams Kherkher about your rights. Williams Kherkher is a law firm that has asbestos attorneys who may be able to help you gain financial compensation for your suffering. For more information, check out Williams Kherkher today.

Joseph Devine

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.