ASBESTOS

Asbestos

(Silicate Mineral Fiber)

Pharmacy

asbes.Asbestos.Silicate mineral fiber. Asbestos is a term applied to some mineral silicates present in a fiber form. There are many members of the family: common among these are blue asbestos (crocidolite), white (chrysotile), and brown or grey asbestos (amosite). Other forms of asbestos include anthophyllite and tremolite, which are present in some commercial talcs. Trituration. Historical dose: All potencies.

Clinical

Asbestosis. Anemia. Ascites. Bronchitis. Cancer. Dyspnea. Emphysema. Fibrosis. Hoarseness. Lung cancer. Mesothelioma. Nausea. Pleural effusion. Pneumonia.

Homeopathic

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Once they are inhaled, the asbestos fibers can remain and accumulate in the lungs. Breathing high levels of the fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of asbestos exposure are shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. A dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. Pains in the lower back or sides of the chest. Persistent coughs, loss of appetite, weight loss, and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia.

Less common symptoms may include fever or night sweats. Ascites or fluid buildup in the abdomen, weight loss, nausea, difficulty with bowel movements, anemia, and foot swelling.

Symptoms by Affected Area

• Abdomen - Ascites. Peritoneal cancer.
• Back - Pains in lower back.
• Chest - Pains in sides of chest.
• Lungs - Breathing difficulties. Cancer. Shortness of breath, which increases over time. Increased sputum. Chronic and persistent coughs. Coughing up blood. Scarring of lungs and pleura. Pleural effusion.
• Food - Loss of appetite. Weight loss and fatigue. Nausea.
• Throat - Hoarseness.

Comments

Asbestos has been known and used for as long as 4,500 years. Many centuries ago, Finnish peasants mixed it in pottery and sealed cracks in their log huts with it. The ancient Romans wove asbestos fibers into fabrics to make towels, nets, and even head coverings for women.

In the early 1900s, doctors in Europe knew that asbestos workers were dying from respiratory ailments. In 1924, Dr. W.E. Cooke reported in the British Medical Journal cases of pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis) in workers employed in the asbestos industry.

Relations

Compare: (1) Sil. (2) Cob., Rado.

References

Murphy.