Asbestos treatment

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[edit] Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a common, yet rare condition that's caused by the exposure to asbestos. The treatment is divided up into two parts which includes initial diagnosis to discover the presence of asbestosis within one's body and the actual treatment methods that could cure asbestosis or eliminate asbestosis symptoms.

[edit] How asbestosis is diagnosed

Certain tests have proven to be helpful when it comes to diagnosing asbestosis. This helps doctors realize if this condition that's usually caused by asbestos exposure is prominent in one's body so that they can prescribe the needed treatment.

[edit] CT scan of the chest

A CT scan which is also known as a Thoracic CT is a procedure used by doctors in order to discover whether or not a patient has asbestosis.

[edit] Preparing for the CT scan of the chest

In most cases it's advised that you don't eat any food or drink any fluids for a period of 4-6 hours prior to going through the CT scan. The reason for this is that food and drinks can interfere with the contrast dye that's commonly used in this procedure. ^[1]

[edit] Going through the CT scan of the chest

If the procedure that you're going through contains the need for contrast die, an iv will be inserted either into your hand or your arm. Once the post-procedure measures are complete you'll lie down on a table. This table slides into the machine that performs the CT scan which as known as the gantry. The operator will ask you to hold your breath and not move when they're taking the scans. ^[2]

The main discomfort that some people face is the fact that they have to lie on the table since it's usually made of hard plastic. Another common complaint is that when contrast dye is being used it may emit a burning sensation, but this is usually only temporary. ^[3]

[edit] Gallium lung scan

This is a specific type of nuclear scan that's used to discover whether or not a patient is experiencing inflammation in the lungs. This is a common condition that helps doctors determine the presence of asbestosis.

[edit] Preparing for the gallium lung scan

One going through the Gallium Lung Scan will have to sign a consent form prior to going through the procedure. This is usually done anywhere from several hours to 1 full day before the test takes place.^[4] An injection of Gallium will be needed about 6-24 hours before the test occurs. This injection can produce a temporary burning sensation.

[edit] Going through the gallium lung scan

This test could take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour. The patient lies on the table under a gamma camera that reveals the gamma rays that are emitted by the Gallium that was injected prior to the procedure taking place. This image is transmitted to a computer where the technician can interpret the results. ^[5]

[edit] Lung function test

A lung function test consists of a series of tests that are used to determine how well the body takes in oxygen and releases it through the circulatory system. ^[6] Other names used to describe this test include Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Spirogram, and Spirometry. ^[7]

[edit] Preparing for a lung function test

Preparation for a lung function test includes not eating a heavy meal prior to testing and to now smoke for a period of four to six hours before going through it. You may receive special instructions if you're prescribed an inhaler and dependent on your situation you may be given medicine to breath in before going in. ^[8]

[edit] Going through the lung function test

There are the different types of tests that can be used to test the lung's functions.

[edit] Body plethysmograph

This is where the patient sits in a clear box that resembles a telephone booth. It's completely sealed to prevent any air from exiting or entering the device. Once the patient is inside the box they will breathe in and out through a mouthpiece. This measures the lung volume by adjusting the pressure inside of the box accordingly.

[edit] Spirometry

This is a rather simple test among the lung function tests category. It works by having the patient breathe into a mouthpiece that's connected to a Spirometer. This device records the amount of air that one breathes in and out as well as the speed.

[edit] Using nitrogen or helium

This is done by having the patient breathe nitrogen or helium through a tube. When the nitrogen or helium is released it goes into a chamber where the gas becomes measured in an effort to determine the volume of the lungs.