NHS information on asbestosis

The NHS website has essential information on asbestosis, an incurable disease of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.

People who worked in building and construction, especially up to the 1990s, may have been exposed to asbestos.

There may be a significant delay, of up to 30 years,  between the exposure to asbestos and the appearance of symptoms. GPs who are concerned that a patient has asbestosis will refer them to a specialist in lung disease, who may use tests such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no cure for asbestosis, but treatments such as oxygen therapy and using an inhaler may reduce the symptoms.