Asbestosis medical therapy


 * 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
There is no curative treatment. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory physiotherapy to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Nebulized medications to thin secretions may be prescribed.


 * The management approach for affected patients include amelioration of symptoms, withdrawal from any persistent exposure, and reduction of risk of associated conditions.
 * Risk of disease correlates with quantity of exposure, so it seems prudent to limit any further exposure in affected patients, though there is not direct data to prove this.
 * Management might include:
 * Vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza
 * Mobilization of secretions
 * Oxygen supplementation as needed
 * Bronchodilator treatment as needed
 * Pulmonary rehabilitation
 * Cessation of smoking
 * Monitoring for associated malignancy