Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 9-32: Occupational Pulmonary Diseases + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ A nodular interstitial fibrosis occurring in workers who are exposed to asbestos fibers long-term Cigarette smoking increases the prevalence of pleural and parenchymal changes and markedly increases the incidence of lung carcinoma + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Inexorably progressive dyspnea, inspiratory crackles Clubbing and cyanosis present in some patients Lower lung zones involved more than upper lung zones Pulmonary function tests typically show a restrictive defect and reduced diffusing capacity + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Radiographic features Linear streaking at the lung bases Opacities of various shapes and sizes Honeycomb changes in advanced cases Presence of pleural calcifications High-resolution CT scanning is the best imaging method for asbestosis because of its ability to detect parenchymal fibrosis and define the presence of coexisting pleural plaques + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ No specific treatment