If fiberglass is present along the respiratory system, it can trigger a macrophagic reaction
A macrophagic reaction occurs when white blood cells begin attacking and destroying the cells of the body that are not healthy. When the immune system causes this reaction, it works extremely hard to defend the body against fiberglass, making it the main priority. On the other hand, it allows pathogens to enter the upper respiratory system and subsequently cause infection because it no longer focuses on preventing sickness. Since fiberglass is very irritating to both external and internal tissue, if it is present along the respiratory tract, the person is more prone to developing infections because viruses, bacteria, and fungi can reach it more easily.
The most common upper respiratory infections are:
- the common cold
- pharyngitis
- epiglottitis
- laryngotracheitis
It is important to note that if fiberglass travels deep down the lungs, it might cause a lower respiratory infection such as pneumonia, which is considerably more serious than the ones above, requiring medical attention and adequate treatment. While upper respiratory infections usually go away on their own, with plenty of fluids, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers, lower respiratory infections can result in serious health complications if the person does not receive treatment. If you developed a lower respiratory infection due to fiberglass exposure or if your upper respiratory infection has worsened, becoming a lower respiratory infection, you have all the more reason to file a claim with Nectar or Ashley Furniture.
How to know if you breathed in fiberglass from a defective mattress
If you have a Nectar or Ashley Furniture mattress whose outer cover you took off for washing and fiberglass was released in the room, you unavoidably inhaled some of it, which increases your risk of developing upper respiratory infections. However, fiberglass cannot be eliminated from your body completely, as some of the shards are microscopic and have rough edges, which causes embedment in the tissue that lines your respiratory system.
Moreover, if you disturbed the mattress while the inner layer of fiberglass was exposed by sitting or jumping on it, a significant amount of fiberglass was inevitably released. The telltale signs of fiberglass inhalation are coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. In the regrettable event that you breathed in fiberglass, you have no other option but to wait for your body to eliminate it by itself. If your health is eventually affected, you should not think twice and file a claim with the negligent company after you receive the medical assistance you need.
