Which term refers to a lung disease caused by asbestos exposure?

• A. Silicosis
• B. Pleurisy
• C. Fibrosis
• D. Asbestosis

Answer: (D)

Asbestos exposure triggers a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic reaction in the lung tissue, producing asbestosis, the asbestos-related fibrotic lung disease. This interstitial fibrosis, often beginning in the lower lungs, leads to progressive shortness of breath and a restrictive pattern on lung function. Silicosis comes from silica dust and is a different pneumoconiosis; pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural lining and isn’t the fibrotic disease caused by asbestos; fibrosis is a general term for scarring and doesn’t specify asbestos as the cause. Therefore, the term that specifically describes the lung disease caused by asbestos exposure is asbestosis.