Pleural thickening is a lung disease where the thin membrane covering the lung, known as the pleura, becomes scarred and damaged. As a result of this scar tissue buildup the space between the lungs and the pleura can close up, which can cause chest pain and a loss in breathing function.
Of all of the asbestos exposure-related illnesses pleural thickening is one of the most commonly diagnosed. This is due to exposure, as the asbestos fibres can become stuck in the pleura when people breathe them in. This causes inflammation, and triggers the build up of this painful scar tissue. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of pleural thickening (also known as diffuse pleural thickening).
There is a distinction between pleural plaques and pleural thickening: pleural plaques are small localised areas of pleural thickening with minimal symptoms, and are in the form of scar tissue. Although they can exist alongside pleural thickening, they are not as severe. In contrast, pleural thickening is when these areas become widespread and cause a tight chest or shortness of breath. This due to the tissue on either one or both lungs solidifying, and this prevents the lungs from expanding properly.
Symptoms of pleural thickening which exacerbate over a long period of time include:
- Shortness of breath. In a recent study of patients with pleural thickening, 95.5% complained of a general breathlessness, 65% experiencing an uncomfortable breathlessness, and 11% complaining of extreme breathlessness.
- A constant cough.
- Chest pain.
- General sense of being unwell and unable to carry out day-to-day activities.
Sufferers of pleural thickening are more likely to experience lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you’re worried about pleural thickening, as well as any of these other asbestos-related lung diseases, read our informative safety guide about the dangers of asbestos here.
Who is at risk of pleural thickening?
Jobs where workers have been exposed to asbestos for a decade or more are at extreme risk of having pleural thickening. Although sometimes symptoms don’t surface until 15 – 20 years later, the occupations most at risk of contracting pleural thickening include:
- Builders and labourers
- Electricians
- Painters
- Plasterers
- Roofers
- Plumbers
- Engineers
- Telephone repairmen
- Carpenters
Although the damage caused by pleural thickening is permanent, there are still ways to treat it. Medical professionals are able to prescribe strong painkillers such as bronchodilators, as well as antibiotics and steroids to aid with breathing. Patients are encouraged to quit smoking, as this alleviates the risk of other lung diseases. Some operations can be undertaken, but this does not normally happen and supportive care can be very effective.