Pleurisy due to asbestos exposure

Pleurisy – also known as pleuritis – refers to the inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane that covers the lungs. There are multiple causes of this condition, including asbestos exposure. It is not uncommon for pleurisy to precede the onset of mesothelioma, and oftentimes, it co-occurs with the disease. The most common signs of pleurisy are shortness of breath and chest pain.

The carcinogenic nature of asbestos fibers can easily irritate the pleura, which will gradually cause severe inflammation. Pleural effusion, the accumulation of fluid between the two layers of the pleura, is another frequently encountered sign of asbestos-related diseases. It frequently occurs with pleurisy as a consequence of inflammation.

With a pleurisy diagnosis alone, you are not eligible for compensation. But given the fact that the rate of misdiagnosis is high, and the cancer risk is high with asbestos exposure, we strongly recommend you get a second and even third opinion outside the VA. If you are diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, you become eligible to file a claim and obtain financial compensation.

As a common early sign, pleurisy often occurs before mesothelioma

Although pleurisy can be caused by common lung infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, asbestos exposure is very likely to result in the inflammation of the pleura as well. Inhaled fibers will remain in the lungs for an unlimited period of time, since the human body is not designed to naturally eliminate them, which may lead to inflammation and tissue scarring over the years. It is important to mention that the effects of asbestos exposure appear only within 20 to 50 years, so being regularly evaluated by a specialist is vital if you have a history of exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleurisy are:

shortness of breath
coughing
chest pain which intensifies when coughing and ceases when you hold your breath
difficulty breathing
chest tenderness
pain in the neck, shoulders, or abdomen

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