Header
about | contact | sitemap | home
Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Risk Factors

Symptoms

Stages

Asbestosis

Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment Options

Treatment by stages

Chemotherapy

Medical Procedures

Imaging Scans

Types of Doctors

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Directory

Cancer Care Centers

Mesothelioma Specialists

Alternative Therapies

Asbestos

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos Industry

Asbestos History

In the Workplace

Asbestos Legislation

Asbestos Removal

Legal Help

Your Legal Rights

Choosing an Attorney

The Legal Process

Evaluating Your Case

Dealing with Symptoms - Breathing Difficulty

Fatigue | Eating Problems | Nausea | Hair Loss | Sore Mouth and Throat | Dry Mouth | Sleep Disturbances | Bowel Problems | Anxiety | Depression | Breathing Difficulties

Because mesothelioma affects the lungs, most people afflicted with the disease will experience breathing difficulties.  This is usually caused by a build-up of fluid between the two membranes around the surface of your lungs, otherwise known as pleural effusion.  It may also be caused by fluid in the lungs themselves, by anemia, or from a chest infection.

Rapid breathing and other breathing difficulties are very frightening to the cancer patient.  Most people believe that they will die if they can’t breathe.  If you become anxious about your inability to breathe properly, your problem will become worse.

The most logical way your doctor can help ease your breathing is by supplying you with oxygen.  Your oxygen can go with you wherever you go; in the hospital, at home, or while your out running errands. 

If you’re suffering from pleural effusion, doctors may decide to drain the fluid.  This is done under local anesthetic, using a syringe and tube.  Excessive fluid that keeps returning may need to be controlled by a procedure called pleurodesis, which involves inserting talc between the two membranes around the lungs. The membranes then stick together, so that fluid cannot collect between them.  This is done under general anesthetic.

Small doses of morphine can also be used to control breathing difficulties and make you more comfortable.  Doctors may also provide you with an inhaler or give you regularly scheduled nebulizer treatments.

Radiation therapy focused on the chest area may also create a cough and breathlessness, which could last for several weeks.  Generally caused by inflammation of the lungs, steroid medications should help cure this problem.  

 

Free Mesothelioma Information Pack

Mesothelioma Packet Enter your information to receive a free mesothelioma information packet in 24 hours.

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone:

Email Address:

Is it possible you
or someone you
know has
mesothelioma?
Yes   No

frequently asked questions
glossary
job sites

Shipyards

Metal Works

Powerhouses

Other Job Sites

mesothelioma

Current News

Archived News

Scottish Insurers Fight Asbestos Compensation Insurance companies in Oregon Fines Michigan Abatement Company The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has levied a fine against a Guam Public Schools to Spend Millions for Abatement After many complaints about the presence of asbestos in a large number of schools on the ...

Secretary at Iron Company Develops Mesothelioma

Group Offers Asbestos Removal Kit

Labor Union Searching for Former Shipyard Workers

Support

Coping Process

Managing Pain

Nutrition

For the Caregiver

Feelings After Diagnosis

Dealing with Symptoms

Practical Issues

Relationship Issues

Wills and DNRs

Resources

Thank you for visiting this website which is sponsored by the Law Firm of EARLY, LUDWICK, SWEENEY & STRAUSS, LLC. This website is devoted to the needs of people diagnosed with mesothelioma. The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals nor should it be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Additionally, this information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship simply by its viewing. The creation of an attorney-client relationship requires more than viewing this or affiliated websites. Neither the transmission nor receipt of this website material will create an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. The material contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular factual or legal circumstances. Online readers should not act on this information without seeking professional counsel. Please read our disclaimer for more information.