Every year in October, Lung Health Month aims to raise awareness of rare lung diseases and emphasize the importance of lung health.
Every day, more Americans suffer from chronic lung disease. Asthma, which affects communities of color and low-income people, affects an estimated 25 million people in the United States alone, and that number appears to be increasing in recent years.
Nearly 16 million people have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. People diagnosed with COPD are often isolated and unable to work because of their symptoms.
While vaping is still popular among young people, many people suffer from respiratory problems, including increased fluid in the lungs and pneumonia. Statistics like these show the impact of educating people about the importance of healthy habits in preventing disease.
In addition to these health problems, many Americans deal with rare conditions, such as those caused by exposure to asbestos. Harmful effects of asbestos on lung health
Asbestos-related diseases are difficult to diagnose because microscopic asbestos fibers remain in the body for decades. Often symptoms do not appear until the disease has worsened, making treatment more difficult. More than 40,000 Americans died from asbestos-related diseases in 2019. Millions of people are still at risk of developing asbestos diseases.
Mesothelioma
One of the most serious asbestos diseases is mesothelioma. This rare cancer affects small organs like the lungs and spreads quickly, causing shortness of breath and chronic coughing. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Because the military makes heavy use of asbestos-containing materials, a third of those diagnosed are veterans, especially the US Navy.
Lung cancer
Asbestos exposure is also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Like mesothelioma, lung cancer caused by asbestos rarely goes undiagnosed for decades until it becomes dangerous.
A lot of treatment is needed for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients to maintain their quality of life, but many families find it difficult to get treatment.
Pulmonary medical expenses
People who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos diseases may also have medical bills.
Mesothelioma treatment and care can cost more than $400,000. In the first year of a lung cancer diagnosis, patients are expected to pay an average of $65,000 and thousands more in subsequent years. These high costs make treatments that can improve lung health out of reach for most people. People diagnosed with asbestosis may be eligible for reimbursement to help pay for medical expenses. Veterans may also be eligible for VA healthcare benefits if they are exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease. Sokolove Law has more than 40 years of experience defending people exposed to asbestos. Call our team at (888) 669-8165 to see how we can assist you. Small steps to care for and protect your lungs.
Whether you have chronic breathing problems or have been diagnosed with a rare disease, there are things you can do to protect your lungs and breathe easy.
Here are some of our recommendations for healthy breathing this month:
Quit smoking and/or reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are the main causes of lung cancer.
Stay informed about local air quality indicators and air pollutants. If you can, try to avoid walking and exercising near busy roads to reduce air pollution.
Keep air filters handy to reduce asthma triggers. Wear suitable equipment when working with products containing hazardous materials.
Do breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help strengthen the lungs, which makes breathing easier.
Always consult your doctor. Because asbestos-related lung conditions have gone undiagnosed for decades, it's important to see a healthcare provider regularly, especially if you work in a job where there is a high risk of asbestos exposure.
During Lung Health Month, many companies host special events, giving you more opportunities to get involved. Some special days during the month include National Respiratory Care Week October 25-30 and Lung Health Day on October 28.
At Sokolove Law, we all know how important lung health is, especially for veterans and those fighting the disease. You can't do it alone.
