The Relationship Between Asbestoses and Mesothelioma

In order to fully understand the relationship between asbestosis and mesothelioma, and clearly distinguish between these diseases, we must first learn about the cause, then set about defining each condition in a clear, yet non-technical manner.

What is Asbestos?
The name Asbestos was first given to this toxic mineral by the Ancient Greeks, and the word "Asbestos" literally means inextinguishable. Throughout much of the twentieth century asbestos was widely used in industry because of it's resistance to heat and flame, resistance to electricity and excellent insulation and sound proofing qualities. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 different commercial products which include the use of asbestos in the manufacture process.

Asbestos is made up of tiny microscopic fibers which are invisible to the naked eye, and these fibres will often become airborne when the material is damaged or disturbed. Once carried by air, the fibres may be inhaled into the lungs or even swallowed into he digestive system where they will almost certainly cause long term, significant health problems. Inhaled asbestos fibers will remain in the body and never be expelled, and because of this, the fibers penetrate body tissues and will often deposit themselves in airways and lung tissue.

There are six minerals which are defined as "asbestos" types. These are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, actinolite, tremolite and anthophyllite. The three most commonly used asbestos types are classed as white, brown, and blue, and it is the brown and blue asbestos types which are most often associated with being the cause of mesothelioma. Millions of people all over the world have been affected by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, putting them at risk of contracting asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other deadly diseases directly caused by these toxic levels of asbestos.

What is Asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a noncancerous, chronic inflammatory medical condition which scars the parenchymal tissue of the lungs, and is caused by the inhalation of toxic levels of asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibres activate the lung's immune system which causes an inflammatory process resulting in connective-tissue-based scars to form a condition known as fibrosis. This scar tissue will slowly builds up, to the extent where it reduces the lung's ability to deliver oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide. The lung capacity may also be reduced which in turn will lead to breathing problems. In severe cases of asbestosis the impairment of lung function places a tremendous strain on the heart, causing heart disease, such as right-sided heart failure or "cor pulmonale." Signs and symptoms of asbestosis will typically not become apparent until years after exposure. But once diagnosed, the condition will often worsen and lead to severe disability and even death if the exposure to asbestos continues.

What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the cells that form the mesothelium, the membrane surrounding the main organs of the body. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust and primarily strikes those individuals who have worked with asbestos products. Others have been exposed to asbestos fibers in their homes, often without knowing it. Because of the latency of the cancer, it will typically not appear for 20 to 50 or more years after the initial exposure. There are approximately 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of mesothelioma reported in the United States each year, mostly amongst men over the age of 40, and the figure is on the increase. It is estimated that there will be approximately 250,000 cases of Mesothelioma before 2020.

Whilst asbestosis and mesothelioma share a common cause.. the inhalation of asbestos fibers... they are entirely different conditions, and there are few similarities between the two illnesses. Asbestosis is the build up of scar tissue on the lungs, which restricts their expansion and contraction. Early signs of the illness include a shortage of breath after physical exertion. During the later stages, the shortness of breath occurs even at times of rest. Other symptoms of asbestosis are chest pains and bouts of coughing. Asbestosis is quite often mis-diagnosed as being asthma particularly because many of the symptoms of the two conditions are similar. Physicians deal with a lot more cases of asthma than they do asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium of certain internal organs. Although the symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma are similar, in the case of mesothelioma, it is cancerous cells that are causing these symptoms. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous illness...Asbestosis is quite often mis-diagnosed as being asthma particularly because many of the symptoms of the two conditions are similar. Physicians see a lot more cases of asthma than they do asbestosis.

There are also major differences in the treatments of asbestosis and mesothelioma. Whilst treatment for asbestosis centers around preventing the condition from deteriorating and easing the symptoms, treatment for mesothelioma will depend on how far the cancer has developed. If diagnosed early enough, there is a good possibility that the cancerous tumors can be removed or abnormal cells killed using radiation or chemotherapy. Later stages of mesothelioma cancer can be treated, but treatment becomes more difficult if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Regardless of the type of treatment, both asbestosis and mesothelioma have a very poor prognosis.

Trevor Taylor writes of his experiences in the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma arena
Asbestosis Mesothelioma Information
Symptoms Of Mesothelioma
Treatment Of Mesothelioma

Top 4 Allergy Resistant Products Reviewed - A Review From a Health Practitioner's Perspective

Allergies On The Rise

In a Nationwide health survey 54% of American's aged 6- 59 were allergic to at least 1 of 10 allergens. That's 5x higher than surveys from 1976-1980, with childhood asthma from allergies up 60% over the last 10 years.

Because of this rise prevention has become a growing concern, and because indoor air pollution is often greater than outdoor, many people have found relief by making their homes (and especially their bedrooms) more "allergy-resistant".

The Top 4 Allergy Resistant Products

These are listed both in order of expense and ease, starting with least expensive:

#1 Allergy Resistant Sheets, pillowcases and mattress covers - Dust mites, human hair, and shedding skin can all contribute to allergies. Fortunately many major department stores now carry allergy resistant products because of their popularity. You'll find the sheets, and mattress covers, that are clearly marked for this purpose.
Cost about: $40-50

#2 Allergy Resistant Air Purifiers - Cleaning the air of dust, skin cells, pollen, mold and mildew can help reduce allergy attacks. HEPA and UV are the two primary technologies to look for in an air purifier. HEPA gathers pollen and dust, while UV kills mold, mildew, viruses and bacteria in the air.
Cost about: $250-350 for a bedroom.

#3 "VOC free" paints and chemicals- Especially with very sensitive people, sometimes called chemically sensitive, the paints used should say "VOC- free" right on the label.
Cost: $350- 600+

#4 Allergy Resistant Fabrics - this includes drapes, bed covers and carpeting that are free of VOC's - (Volatile organic Compounds). Basically this is the "out-gassing" or chemical fumes that these materials release in small amounts, but they can still have an impact on your immune system and liver.
Cost: $400-1200

So Can Allergy Resistant Products Really Prevent Allergy and Asthma Attacks?

According to clean environment expert Dr. Robert Masto:

"Allergy sheets, vacuuming, and an air purifier to reduce airborne pollen, dust, mites, mold, and chemicals - can reduce the load on the immune system. This allows the immune system to rest which can often reduce allergic reactions. It is not a cure, but a step in the right direction"

Many Blessings To Your Health.

Mark Richardson is a former asthmatic, allergy sufferer, and Health Practitioner who found allergy and asthma relief naturally! If you found these tips helpful, make sure you check out his main site: http://www.AliveAir.com

The Health Advantages of Winter Sports

At the time of year when winter sports are at the peak of popularity, many people still chose their cushy recliner chairs over going jogging. That doesn't seem like such a bad idea " winters chilling cold and lingering darkness are barely motivating, but this does have the unfortunate consequence of adding a few extra kilograms to your weight between the months of November and February. To change this, a few of the worlds leading physicians and osteopaths look at the ways in which winter sports (such as ice-skating, skiing, or snowboarding) contribute to a healthier life.

While the frosty roads are not really welcoming, being outside can be very beneficial to your health. There might not be as much sunlight available in the winter, but the rays that do reach us are very direct, and give us our necessary Vitamin D. And if you have a chance to go into the mountains for some downhill sports, the fresh mountain air can be very cleansing to those with allergy problems, asthma, or breathing difficulties due to pollution.

The sports are of course a wonderful way to rid you of that unwanted holiday weight. Experts assert that the average 70-kilo individual burns about 300-400 calories per hour skiing, while snowshoeing rids you of approximately 500-550 calories an hour. And this achieved at your own pace " no intense or high-level sessions necessary.

Winter sports are obviously also a great way to get in shape. Skiing uses almost all muscle groups, but puts the most pressure on your legs " it is particularly strenuous for your knees and quad muscles. Skating affects similar muscle groups, but tends to use the hamstrings and quads more. These sports, among others, are therefore sure ways of getting your muscles working and your heart pumping again, contributing to a fitter you.

More often than not, skiers and skaters are of the recreational athlete sort than the hard-core fitness types, so taking up a winter sport this season is a fun way to get into shape again. It might be difficult to get started, people regularly leave the ice-rink or the piste feeling healthier and livelier and healthier than when they entered it.

One of the most significant benefits of winter sports is that doing exercise in the winter " a time when most prefer to sit and watch TV, is good for your heart. A study conducted by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation says that wintertime exercise " any exercise " reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. For those who hate going jogging in the cold, ice-skating or snowboarding might be a fun alternative to get the exercise your heart needs.

Winter sports therefore have many obvious health benefits, and have something to offer for everyone. Just be sure not to overdo it " you do not want an injury to ruin your winter holidays. Activities such as cross-country- and alpine- skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowboarding are excellent ways to get moving during this low-energy season. So grab your skis, skates, or snowboard and head for your winter destination!

Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Bracknell osteopaths. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.