Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- occupational exposure
- longer duration of exposure
- smoking history
Other diagnostic factors
- dyspnea on exertion
- cough
- crackles
- indirect exposure
- chest pain
- clubbing
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- CXR: posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral
- pulmonary function tests
Investigations to consider
- high-resolution CT chest
- lung biopsy
- bronchial lavage
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Professor of Medicine
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Michigan State University
East Lansing
MI
Disclosures
KDR has been an expert witness for both defendants and plaintiffs in work-related lawsuits concerning asbestos exposure. KDR is also the author of several papers referenced in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Chief Medical Officer
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Madison
WI
Disclosures
HAA declares that he has no competing interests.
Senior Clinical Lecturer
Institute of Life Sciences
Swansea University
Swansea
UK
Disclosures
KL declares that he has no competing interests.
Assistant Professor
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare
Evanston
IL
Disclosures
TJK declares that he has no competing interests.
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