Most Pennsylvania residents can attest to times in their lives when they just weren’t feeling quite well but were unsure as to the underlying causes of their conditions. There is a difference, however, between suffering a brief episode of ill-health, such as an upset stomach from undercooked food, and becoming debilitated because of a chronic, terminal illness that may have been building up in your body for years without you knowing.
This is why it’s always a good idea to seek medical examination if you are experiencing recurring or lasting adverse health symptoms of any kind. Especially if you worked in a factory, steel mill, shipyard or building built before 1978, you are at risk for asbestos injuries that often turn into incurable lung diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Symptoms that warrant medical attention
If you have a headache for a few days, it may not necessarily mean you need immediate medical attention. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to visit your doctor if you are unsure about the cause of your headache or are unable to make it go away. The following symptoms are often associated with asbestos-related illness and definitely warrant medical attention:
- If you have a lingering cough, especially if it’s dry and persistent, there may be a lung problem causing it.
- Various issues can cause you to lose your appetite, but if you usually eat well and can’t seem to restore your appetite, you may want to ask your doctor about it.
- If your fingertips have changed in appearance and look wider at the edges than they normally do, it could be a sign of clubbing, which is a symptom of an asbestos-related disease.
- Any type of chest pain or discomfort is reason to seek immediate medical attention.
- If you feel short of breath, it could be because you were running or just completed an arduous hike; if all you did was walk to the kitchen, however, it could also be a sign of serious illness.
Most people feel tired a lot these days as life in Pennsylvania and the rest of society is typically quite busy. If you feel like your tiredness is unusual or like you just can’t shake it, no matter how much rest and adequate sleep you get, it may signify an underlying health condition that is related to asbestos exposure. The sooner you obtain a correct diagnosis and any additional support you need, the better.