Asbestosis history and symptoms


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kim-Son H. Nguyen, M.D., M.P.A., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA,

Overview

 * Asbestosis presents with insidious onset of gradually progressive dyspnea, initially only noticeable with exertion, usually 15-30 years after initial exposure. Manifestations generally progress even if further exposure does not occur.
 * Cough, sputum production, and wheezing may be present in a subset, but are probably more associated with smoking or other pulmonary disease than with asbestosis.