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Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can lead to inhalation which can cause the cancer of the pleural lining known as mesothelioma. In turn, mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused chronic conditions can lead to recurring secondary infections of the lungs or chest cavities. As such, mesothelioma can have a direct link to chronically recurring chest infections as well as the negative health impacts that result.

Asbestos exposure victims should note that many deadly chronic conditions that can develop in the lungs do mimic the symptoms of lesser acute diseases. Mesothelioma, for instance, can lead to fluid buildup along the outer lung cavities, reducing breathing capacity. Symptoms of this condition include a persistent, dry cough as well as chest tightness or pain.[1] With this in mind, do not assume that infection-like symptoms are only indicative of a temporary chest or lung infection. Seek medical attention and a full evaluation as soon as you can.

The link between mesothelioma and subsequent infections of the chest or lungs has been well established.[2] Chronic exposure to toxic inhalants like asbestos can also lead to a condition called industrial bronchitis.[3] This type of occupationally related chronic inflammation exhibits symptoms of infection, including tightness in the chest, cough, shortness of breath, and excess fluid or phlegm. Secondary infections from bacterial, fungal, or viral sources can also result from irritated tissues.[4]

Another common pathway for asbestos exposure to lead to chest infections is through the condition known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers become lodged in lung tissues, the tissues become irritated and can grow over with scar tissue. Diffuse scarring of the lungs leads to diminished lung capacity and a higher risk for secondary infections.

Occupational asbestos exposure has also been linked with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), a condition that describes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.[5] 8.5% of the U.S. population has a recorded diagnosis for COPD, and an estimated 15% of these individuals have a history of occupational exposures to toxic substances like asbestos.

While asbestosis and COPD related to asbestos exposure can lead to chest infections in this way, mesothelioma is one of the most pernicious conditions associated with ongoing chest infections. One study found that workers exposed to asbestos and who had developed mesothelioma had an extremely elevated risk for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), a condition that describes chronic and recurrent fluid entering the lungs, usually related to an infection.[6]

Chronic chest infections can occur even in exposed individuals who do not have a mesothelioma, asbestosis or COPD diagnosis, however. A study of exposed individuals found that, “restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment,” was common regardless of whether or not radiological imaging picked up lung tissue scarring, pleural plaques, or tumors.[7]

Symptoms of chest or lung infections in asbestos victims can often indicate a much more serious underlying condition, such as mesothelioma or lung cancers. Malignant mesothelioma, a cancer growth on the tissues of the lungs’ pleural lining, can directly cause fluid buildup either within or outside the lungs, making breathing difficult.[8]

Even though infection-like symptoms can reveal a condition not caused by an infection, infections may still be a persistent problem as the condition advances. “Death from malignant mesothelioma is usually due to infection,” notes one medical resource[9], “or respiratory failure from the progression of the disease.” In other words, the tumors themselves and the conditions they create tend to directly trigger causes of death, rather than the tumors metastasizing to the point that they overwhelm the immune system.

In summary, asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma along with other conditions that make infections of the chest cavities or lung tissues far more likely. Individuals suffering from infection symptoms who have a known history of asbestos exposure should have diagnostic tests run for mesothelioma, lung cancers, asbestosis, COPD, or other major chronic conditions. Conversely, exposed individuals who have a mesothelioma or asbestosis diagnosis should be aware of the increased risk of secondary infections and pneumonia.

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3164601/

[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000072.htm

[4] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/297108-overview

[5] https://www.cpwr.com/research/completed/copd-risks-among-construction-workers

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26046696

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3164601/

[8] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

[9] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/280367-overview