What are typical symptoms of asbestosis?

The symptoms of asbestosis typically include shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. This condition is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which lead to scarring of lung tissue over time. As a result, individuals may experience difficulties in breathing due to the reduced capacity of the lungs to expand and contract normally. The sensation of tightness in the chest is a common expression of the respiratory restrictions that occur as the disease progresses.

While other symptoms such as coughing and fatigue can be associated with various respiratory illnesses, the hallmark symptoms of asbestosis specifically point to respiratory distress and lung function impairment, making shortness of breath and chest tightness the defining characteristics. These symptoms can worsen over time, typically reflecting the chronic nature of the exposure to asbestos and the resultant lung damage.