Asbestosis: Treatment

There are no medications that can prevent or reverse the scarring (fibrosis) in the lung tissue typical for asbestosis. Treatment in patients with asbestosis is typically supportive with timely treatment of respiratory infections, immunizations for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, supplemental oxygen at rest and/or with exertion if needed, smoking cessation, and regular exercise to maintain overall health and good respiratory muscle strength. In addition, any additional exposure to asbestos should be avoided, although this is rarely an issue in the United States at this time.