Asbestos-related symptoms are increasing every year, and so is the concern of asbestos exposure. Everyone wants to know if the symptoms they are experiencing are due to allergies, common cold, flu, or something worse — such as asbestos exposure.

Exposure to asbestos will not only increase the risk of developing lung cancer, but it can also cause cancer of the esophagus, throat, and gastrointestinal system. Prolonged exposure to asbestos affects the linings of the lungs and causes a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Another type of lung condition caused by asbestos exposure is known as asbestosis. A serious condition, asbestosis causes scarring of the lung tissues, making it difficult for the lungs to perform their function of pumping oxygen into the blood.

All of the asbestos-related diseases mentioned above have long latency periods. This means that it takes a long time from being first exposed to asbestos to the actual advent of the disease. For example, asbestosis could take up to 15 to 20 years to be noticed on a chest x-ray, asbestos-related lung cancer can sprout after 30 years, and mesothelioma may take even 40 years to show symptoms after initial contact with asbestos.

Whether you are living in an older home in Schaumburg, or you think you may have had exposure to asbestos in some other way, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the basic symptoms that could possibly raise a red flag for an asbestos-related illness:

Chest Tightness

Chest tightness, a usual symptom of a regular respiratory problem, is also a common symptom of asbestos-related disease. Pleural effusions, or asbestosis, can cause tightening of the chest. It is recommended that you visit a doctor if the symptoms last longer than a couple of days to rule out asbestos exposure or another serious illness.

Unusual Cough

One of the most common signs of allergies is a cough. However, if your cough remains prolonged or sounds different, it’s best that you see your doctor. A hacking or crackling cough is a sign of a respiratory illness, such as mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. If you are not getting any relief from your cough with over the counter medication, or if you are coughing up blood, we strongly suggest making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is the most common symptom of asbestos-related lung disease. Depending on the extent of scarring, the symptoms may be mild to severe. Extensive exposure to asbestos could lead to an individual developing severe breathing difficulties. Add lung infection to the mix, and the condition can become worse or even fatal. Based on the patient’s condition, doctors may treat for pneumonia, or administer a flu vaccine as a preventive measure.

Asbestos-related illnesses get worse with time, and the symptoms linger around and do not go away. If you think you have allergies, they should last only for a short period of time. If the symptoms last longer, then there’s a chance that you could have an asbestos-related illness. The probability increases if you know you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, or if you’ve worked in asbestos-affected areas.

Get Professional Help to Conduct Asbestos Testing in your Schaumburg Property

Do you need to have asbestos testing done for your commercial or residential property? Are you seeking a professional service to have it taken care of? If so, Axis Response Group is here to help.

Our team of asbestos abatement specialists has assisted many property owners throughout the Schaumburg area and beyond. If you are looking for quick and safe asbestos removal, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to discuss your needs!