Etymed
asbestosis
Definition
A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, characterized by scarring of lung tissue
Clinical context
A 55-year-old construction worker presents with progressive dyspnea and a dry cough over the past 3 years. He has a 30-pack-year smoking history and worked at a shipyard for 20 years where he was exposed to asbestos materials. Physical exam reveals bibasilar crackles and clubbing. Chest X-ray shows pleural plaques and reticulonodular infiltrates. Pulmonary function tests demonstrate restrictive lung disease.
Mnemonic
ASBESTOS - Always Sick, Bad Exposure, Scarring, Excessive Smoking, Early Onset, Suggests Malignancy