Asbestos is responsible for upwards of 3,000 newly diagnosed illnesses every year. Mesothelioma is a very severe and aggressive cancer which is likely to result in death, and it is caused by asbestos exposure. It has received a lot of attention over the past ten years or so, heightening public awareness to this very dangerous situation typically caused by negligent companies exposing their employees to asbestos without warning.



Asbestos can also cause a lesser known disease known as asbestosis. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both devastating, debilitating, and more often than not, deadly diseases. Asbestosis presents with similar symptoms to asthma, and physicians often initially misdiagnose asbestosis as asthma.

Symptoms of asbestosis include difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain. Initially, asbestosis mimics asthma, creating shortness of breath, pain, and a tight cough during exertion. However, over time asbestosis creates the feeling of a tight chest and shortness of breath chronically. Unlike asthma, asbestosis is not sufficiently assisted by rescue inhalers.

Both Mesothelioma and asbestosis create difficulty breathing. Asbestosis attacks the interior of the lung, creating scar tissue that constricts the lungs' ability to expand and contract normally. Mesothelioma is a cancer which constricts the lungs' ability to expand and contract normally due to the development of tumors in the protective lining encasing the lungs.

It is not necessarily limited to the protective lining which encases the lungs, often involving the various internal organs in the body including the stomach, kidneys, or heart. Weight loss, difficulty comfortably sleeping, and chronic painful cough due to fluid in the chest are symptoms of both Mesothelioma and asbestosis.

There is no cure for either of them. Mesothelioma is a cancer and in rare circumstances it can be forced into remission however most cases of it are unfortunately fatal. Asbestosis is an equally complicated disease that often results in death as well. Asbestosis is very similar to having the inside of the lungs burned over a long period of time.

Both asbestosis and Mesothelioma present with nearly identical symptoms, share the identical cause, and have nearly the same outcomes. When initially diagnosed with Mesothelioma or asbestosis, it is recommended to find a California mesothelioma attorney or asbestos lawyer immediately.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma lawsuits have been successfully filed since as early as 1929, which truthfully should have clued in business owners long before now that not only does asbestos exposure lead to asbestosis and Mesothelioma, but it would be in everybody's best interests if people made better decisions during the construction process.

The earlier both diseases are detected, the higher the chance of survival. More and more people who know or suspect that they are at risk for Mesothelioma are asking for testing prior to the onset of symptoms. California mesothelioma doctors, attorneys, asbestos lawyers and advocates recommend early testing for those who are at risk for Mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems that are possible from high exposure rates of asbestos.

Early detection is the key in both cases, just as it is in all serious health conditions. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are much more serious than the symptoms they portray. Continual testing and early detection is the only weapon against the destructive nature of these diseases.

Diagnosis of either diseases can be traumatic and lead to more questions than answers. In most cases, the source of the asbestos which caused the illness can be tracked if the patient has a fairly long term employment history in one of the laborious fields which are known for chronic asbestos exposure.

Factories and construction are the two leading industry related factors for asbestos exposure. Severe disasters have been known to provide dangerous levels of asbestos exposure, such as the aftermath of hurricanes, building destruction, or incidents such as 911. Members of demolition crews often received early exposure to asbestos and have reported cases of Mesothelioma and asbestosis who worked in demolition prior to 1985.

Those who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma with a scattered work history, under the table jobs, or various possible asbestos exposure possibilities may still be able to trace the source and hold those responsible accountable. A qualified attorney can assist those who have no clear cut answers. Lawyers who have ample experience can often help a patient of Mesothelioma determine whether or not the source is traceable and whether or not a lawsuit or a settlement is possible.