Asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by asbestos fibers lodging in a person’s lungs. Over many years, scarring of the lungs takes place. This can lead to serious medical conditions. This disease manifests in different levels of severity depending on two factors: the length of time in which one was exposed to the asbestos and the amount of asbestos to which one was exposed.  

Causes of asbestosis: Exposure to a high level of asbestos fibers for a prolonged period of time. The symptoms do not manifest for many years after the time of exposure.

Symptoms of asbestosis include:
· Shortness of breath
· Increased intolerance to physical activity
· Coughing
· Chest pain
· Clubbing of the fingers, and even nail deformity

Asbestosis may lead to the following conditions:
· High blood pressure in your lung’s arteries.
· Heart problems. The high blood pressure in your lung’s arteries can lead to severe heart problems as the pressure in your lung’s arteries causes them to narrow, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Eventually the right ventricle of your heart fails from the extra strain. 
· Lung cancer. If you have asbestosis and you smoke your chances of developing lung cancer greatly increase, especially if you smoke more than one pack of cigarettes a day. Asbestos fibers and tobacco smoke actually increase each other’s cancer-causing effects, rendering a worse outcome than either would have by itself.
· Other lung damage. Breathing in asbestos fibers can bring about changes to  the thin membrane around your lungs and lining your chest cavity (pleural membranes) causing more health problems.

People exposed to asbestos fibers can develop other types of cancer, most commonly mesothelioma. However, having asbestosis does not increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Nor does having mesothelioma increase the risk of developing asbestosis.

Law firms with years of experience in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits are ready to help you. While they cannot heal your pain, they can relieve the stress of overwhelming medical bills, and funeral costs, as well as help you receive compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering through your litigation. Contact a law firm specializing in lawsuits regarding asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases today.