I worked in a forge in the early '70s and used alot of friable asbestos to pack the molds when we poured metal
I've had a cough since that time, but it has never gotten worse, but it's never gotten better. My voice goes out quickly, I can't talk for long perio...
I've had a cough since that time, but it has never gotten worse, but it's never gotten better. My voice goes out quickly, I can't talk for long periods of time.
Whenever I mention this to a doctor, they just prescribe cough medicine, but all cough medicine has stuff in it that I'm intolerant of, so I end up not taking it.
Should I be worried about asbestosis or mesothelioma. And if so, can it be cured?
neither Asbes or Meso can be cured and it could eventually kill you.
It requires X-rays to determin the extent of the damage. You may need to change doctors
dukalink said it. A simple chest x-ray will tell you how much (if at all) your lungs were damaged. It sounds like your throat may have been damaged, too.
You need to get a new doctor who will not only order a chest x-ray, but also will do an endoscopy to look at your throat and esophagus. The problems with your throat could stem from the asbestos, but they could also be caused by acid reflux, among other things.
If you can’t find a primary care physician who will take you seriously, go to a pulmonologist. And go NOW!
Good luck.
Everybody should be worried about exposure to asbestos, it is everywhere and the government and industries all know it. The EPA has determined that there is no safe limit of exposure. In your case, you should be extremely worried about it, not only for your sake but the sake of your family. It is carried home in your hair and clothing. You need to get a thorough respiratory exam and have one done annually thereafter. If your doctor won’t get one for you then find another doctor. A word to the wise, many doctors feel due to the terminal nature of asbestos poisoning, that it’s in your best interest not to know, and it’s definitely in the interest of the industries that are still using it. Good luck and keep trying.