Curriculum · Respiratory
Asbestosis
What it is
Asbestosis is the pneumoconiosis of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is from the roof, since it was common in insulation, but it affects the base: it affects the lower lobes.
Causes and risk
The risk factors are the manufacture or demolition of ships, plumbing and roofing. Asbestosis is associated with shipbuilding, roofing and plumbing.
How it presents
The clinical features are exertional dyspnea, a dry cough that turns into a productive cough, and digital clubbing.