Respiratory · UKMLA & AKT
Asbestosis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise asbestosis — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres - affects lung parenchyma (not pleura)
- Latency period 20-40 years; high-risk occupations: shipbuilding, construction, insulation, plumbing, roofing, flooring
- Crocidolite (blue) asbestos - most dangerous; thin straight fibres penetrate deepest and resist macrophage clearance
- Severity correlates directly with cumulative exposure (intensity × duration)
Pleural plaques = benign localised parietal pleural fibrosis; confirm asbestos exposure but are NOT premalignant and do NOT cause asbestosis.
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