Respiratory · UKMLA & AKT
Asbestosis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
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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