Asbestosis: History and Treatment

Knowing the exact extent of each patient's asbestosis is necessary so to plan the appropriate management strategy.
Although a histopathologic examination of lung tissue is not necessary in diagnosing asbestosis, this serves a great role in determining the extent of the patient's disease. The American College of Pathologists have put out a grading scheme for these histopathological abnormalities, which runs from Grade 1 through 4. Grade 1 embodies fibrotic changes that are confined to the walls of the respiratory bronchiole without affecting the distal alveoli. Both Grades 2 and 3 label changes that identify a more advanced stage of asbestosis. Finally, Grade 4 represent fibrosis in the alveoli and septum. Honeycombing is also evident in the Grade 4 level of changes.
Asbestos bodies or ferruginous bodies can also be seen in histopathological specimens of lung tissues afflicted with Asbestosis. Ferruginous bodies are simply asbestos fibers that have come to develop a coat. This coating is made up of protein and ferritin (storage form of iron). These asbestos bodies have a characteristic appearance of long beads. Asbestos or ferruginous bodies however are not pathognomonic for asbestosis. Incidental findings of these are found in people who have no history of exposure to asbestos.
Management of asbestosis mainly revolves around the prompt cessation of exposure to asbestos once a diagnosis is reached, and a proper treatment and follow-up plan. Continued exposure to asbestos will enhance the progression of the disease. Although even when cessation of exposure has been established, asbestosis will still progress albeit at a much slower phase. Controlling asbestos exposure in places of work still remains as the most effective prevention. The wearing of respiratory protective gear as mandated by federal law should be done.
Physicians should advise patients who are smokers to quit smoking. These patients should also be referred to smoking cessation clinic to facilitate their quitting the habit. Careful search for any concurrent respiratory infections should be done. Prompt and proper anti-microbial treatment should be given if any are detected. Immunizations against seasonal Influenza virus and Pneumococcal bacteria should also be given. Particular attention must be paid to each individual patient's oxygenation status, both at rest and during exercise. If hypoxemia is detected, supplemental oxygen should be prescribed.
Treatments and follow-up plans should be tailored to each individual patient according to the severity of each patient's asbestosis and the level of functional impairments documented. The frequency of clinic visits, as well as the frequency of imaging studies and pulmonary function tests to be done should also complement the prepared treatment plan. This goes to show that an accurate and precise assessment of each individual patient's disease severity as well as level of functioning must be accomplished.
Provisions for hospice referral and palliative care should also be given appropriately once the disease reaches its terminal stages.
Medical therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs has not been found to alter the course of asbestosis. Although such is the case, these drugs may still be use for symptomatic relief from aggravating symptoms brought about by the various inflammatory, vasculitic and fibrosing processes that are at play.
Treatment of asbestosis revolves around basic symptomatic relief methods and a sound referral plan. Prompt recognition and diagnosis still is absolutely necessary for the apt execution of these plans.

When to Know a Friend Needs Your Support

If you have a good friend going through a tough time, you may want to give a little extra time to them. Even, if you are unable to take of their problem, talking to someone can make a big difference. This is especially true if you are not directly involved. Sometimes having a fresh perspective who you feel comfortable letting down your guard with is a big help. They can speak openly and honestly about their thoughts and feeling and since you are not directly involved, they do not need to worry about hurting you or saying something you may react poorly to. One of the most important times a friend will need support and friendship is during a serious illness. If they are suffering or they are caring for a family member who has developed a disease, there will be times they just want to vent about their feelings. They may be frustrated, scared or just feeling blue. When someone is undergoing prostate cancer treatment or dealing with acoustic neuroma, they can have a variety of emotions. You can be a good friend by just sitting with them and talking.
Another example of a when a friend will need support is during a divorce. Their divorce means they are losing their life partner and while they may be happy to see them go, it can also be a tough transition. They may have feelings of betrayal, regret or anger. You can help them deal with these feelings in a healthy way. They may also need to just talk about the direction their life is now going and if you can be there and lend a hand, it will make a big difference.
If you know people who have children, it is probably just a matter of time before they deal with some struggles. Even the best kids stress their parents out occasionally and if you can share stories about your own child-rearing experiences, it can help your friend to feel like what they are going through is normal.
Everyone has work stress and being able to go out after a long day, enjoy a cocktail and vent about your work problems helps a great deal. Some workplace stress is a daily occurrence and while they may be annoying, everyone has to face them. There are also times when things get really bad in the workplace and an employee faces challenges and issues the average worker is not dealing with. If your friend is in a position like this, it can help to talk it out with someone and get an outsiders perspective on things.
Lastly, you will know if a friend needs your help if they ask you. You may get an unexpected call from a friend who lets you know they need to talk things out and want some company. Do your best to be there for them and lend them your support. You will help them feel better and you will feel great for being a supportive friend.

Indulgent Behavior You Should Enjoy in Moderation

Everybody likes to let loose occasionally and do things they would not normally do in life. These activities, done in moderation, are usually not harmful or unhealthy. Everyone likes to splurge every now and then to celebrate or indulge. Many times this behavior occurs around the holidays or a big celebration like a birthday, anniversary or wedding. You may even let loose when things have been going rough in your life. If you have been involved in some stressful situations of late, you might just want to go out with friends, let your hair down and relax. The important thing to understand when it comes to this kind of thing is to know now to control things so they do not get out of control. Indulging every now and then is great, but you need to make sure it does not become a habit. Behaviors that are fine in moderation may be unhealthy if done on the regular basis. The last thing you want is to make yourself sick or develop lung cancer or pancreas cancer because of a lot of bad life decisions.
Going out for a cocktail periodically is not going to harm you in any way. As a matter of fact, a lot of medical professionals believe an occasional glass of red wine is good for your heart. Some also believe beer is a healthy beverage when consumed in moderation. Even getting a little tipsy at a celebration will not leave any permanent scars. However, if you drink alcohol excessively, there will be lasting effects. This is especially true if it is done on a regular basis. If you find yourself consuming a lot of alcohol a few times a month, it may be a sign of a bigger problem. Likewise, if you are using alcohol to get through your day or self-medicate a serious problem, you should speak to your doctor about how you are feeling.
Overeating is another behavior a lot of people fall prey to. There is nothing wrong with ordering dessert occasionally or hitting the buffet when you are on vacation. However, if you are eating unhealthy foods and high quantities of fatty foods on the daily basis, your body is going to suffer. You will feel unhealthy and over time, the poor eating habits will take their toll. Save the sugary treats and indulgent foods for occasional splurges and special occasions and choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins for your regular meals.
Gambling is fun for a lot of people and when done in moderation, it is a great way to let loose with your friends and enjoy a night out. However, if you are gambling above your means or you view it as a means of earning an income, it is going to lead to a great deal of problems. Gamble for recreation, not to make a living.
Finally, relaxation is a great stress reducer and should be scheduled into everyone’s life. However, if you feel like you are always lazing about and you rarely leave your couch, you may be indulging in lethargic behavior. Save lying around for raining days and special occasions. When possible get outside and get active.