This lung condition has multiple subtypes, the three most known being chronic, acute and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Asbestosis falls under the category of pneumonitis as well, since the disease involves the inflammation of the lung tissue. Similarly, pneumonia is also a type of pneumonitis. However, the differences between the previously mentioned conditions are major and for this reason, each type of pneumonitis requires a specific treatment approach. Therefore, if you were exposed to asbestos and experience some of the symptoms below, it is very important to inform your physician about your asbestos exposure to avoid misdiagnosis:

• shortness of breath
• a dry cough
• chest tightness
• swollen neck or face
• clubbed fingers
• wheezing
• loss of appetite
• unexplained weight loss
• difficulty swallowing

The complications which can follow untreated pneumonitis include pulmonary fibrosis, COPD and irreversible lung damage. Tissue scarring will gradually occur if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment for this condition. Lung cancer can also be mistaken for a more common type of pneumonitis or for asbestosis due to the symptoms these diseases share, so being evaluated by a highly experienced specialist in pulmonary disease is crucial to make sure you will not be misdiagnosed.