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Asbestos Exsposure

I'm male 43 and in good health. I came in contact with asbestos during a home renovation 2 months ago.. I removed approximately 7 feet of insulation. Immediately after I felt something in the back of my throat which made me cough. It was gone by the next day. Following that I experienced burning in my throat and chest that lasted for several weeks. It comes and goes for a short period of time This prompted me to go my doctor and get checked out. I had a complete physical, EKG, blood work and a chest x-ray. All came back good. I did have some chest pain and the doctor gave me Omeprazole for acid reflux.  Went to the Pulmonologist and all tests were normal. Both my DR and  Pulmonologist said not to worry as my exposure was brief.
-I still have chest pains occasional
-Burning sensations in chest area..
-After waking from a nap heart rate is elevated.
-Sometimes a hoarse voice.
-Flutter in my throat.
The above seem consistent with some Mesothelioma symptoms.
Could Pleural thickening be happening to make my chest hurt?
My doctor said  the above could be due to anxiety, but the pessimist in me thinks otherwise. I am going to see the cardiologist next week and we will see what he says.
I understand that asbestos related illnesses take years to develop but could these be precursors of what is to come or could I be a special case and my brief expose get me sick so soon. Hopefully I will never get sick, but I am extremely worried and have been since I was exposed. A constant worry and internet searches. I've been reading about acute exposure but really haven't found much...Is this going to get worse...better or kill me...

Thanks for your thoughts
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Avatar universal
Hello,

Asbestos and other dusts can be quite irritating to your nasal passages, trachea (throat) and airways in lungs.

The lag between the time of exposure to asbestos and the development of pleural thickening or mesothelioma is years (>10-20 on average). So, with a normal chest xray, it is very unlikely that pleural thickening is associated with your symptoms.

Have you been evaluated by the cardiologist?

How are you doing?

~ Dr. Parks

This answer provided to you is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this Medhelp.org posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Asbestos is dangerous because it has the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days after they were initially disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue. But it is not sure that exposure to asbostos always cause disease. There are chances.

Better you consult a doctor at the earliest.
Helpful - 0

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