Education, early intervention can help asbestos victims

The Daily Inter Lake

There is no cure for asbestos disease, but early intervention and education can go a long way toward preserving quality of life for patients.

"We do a lot of patient education," said Kimberly Rowse, a registered nurse and clinical coordinator of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby. "We teach them how to preserve energy and pace their activities."

Diseases contracted as a result of asbestos exposure tend to involve the respiratory system, with lung cancer and asbestosis the most common afflictions.

The coating of the lungs and air passages by asbestos fibers limits breathing capacity and irritates the tissue. Once asbestos has invaded the body's tissues, there is no way to remove it and avoid illness.

Treatment of the symptoms can help prolong a patient's life, provided that the diagnosis is made in the early stages of the illness.

It's difficult to say what the average life span is once asbestos disease has been diagnosed, clinic medical director Brad Black said. It varies from person to person and some live with the disease for years and even decades.

There are ways to lessen the effects of asbestos disease, Rowse said. Many patients use inhalers regularly, or nebulizers (devices that allow in-home inhalation therapy). Oxygen also is an option.

Prescription medications are often given to patients to dilate their bronchial tubes, allowing improved air flow. Spiriva, Advair and Serevent are among the most popular bronchial drugs, Rowse said.

"We educate patients that anytime there's a hint of a cold, they take action," Rowse said. "The lungs are the weak link and a cold can easily produce bronchitis or pneumonia."

The Libby clinic intervenes with antibiotics sooner than other medical clinics would because of the increased risk of infection. X-rays and CT scans help physicians track the progression of disease.

Flu shots are paramount, Rowse said, and so far, there have been enough flu shots to cover asbestos patients in Libby. Shots are still needed, though, for caregivers and others who come in contact with patients.

An exercise program at the local athletic club is geared to asbestos patients, and they're also taught energy-conservation skills at the club.