Why Patients with Asbestos-Related Disease Need Follow-Up You came to CARD to be screened and were diagnosed with Asbestos-Related Disease (ARD). Now what? Many people have the impression that there is nothing that can be done for their disease and therefore there is no use in follow-up visits. That is not true. While ARD cannot be reversed, it's also not a reason to believe that your health is doomed. Granted, ARD is considered a progressive disease, but the prognosis varies from person to person. Some people do get progressively worse over a period of only a few years. However, we also have a large group of people who have been diagnosed but their disease remains stable for many years afterward and they continue to live active, productive lives. So what is the difference? Unfortunately, we do not fully know the answer to that question. The best answer for now is, it's complicated, but CARD research is working toward learning more. We know that many things play into the progression or stability of ARD. The amount and means of asbestos exposure certainly plays a role. Genetics, and possibly gender may also be involved. Smoking and asbestos exposure are synergistic which means that disease in those who also smoke tends to be worse. Smoking also increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. Increasingly, an individual's immune system response is being found to be important as well. Recent research has shown that those with certain auto-immune markers are statistically more likely to have progressive disease. In the future, such research may help find medications that, by affecting the immune system, also help slow the progression of ARD. We understand that some patients come in yearly because they are involved in litigation and their lawyers request annual updates on their condition. From a medical standpoint though, there are other reasons to be re-evaluated regularly. 1. Regular monitoring through history taking, pulmonary function testing, and imaging allows early identification of progression or complications, and sometimes identifies other disease processes like heart disease that can masquerade as respiratory symptoms. 2. While there is no cure, early intervention can lessen symptoms and improve quality of life. Interventions for ARD may consist of antibiotics for infections; inhalers/nebulizers/steroid medications to help open reactive airways; medications to help suppress cough; medications to help alleviate chest wall pain; supplemental oxygen when oxygen levels are low to improve organ function and cognition, as well as exercise tolerance. Patients can do much to help themselves, the two most important actions are smoking cessation and regular exercise to promote deep breathing. The difference these two interventions make can be seen in positive changes during pulmonary function testing. Immunizations against respiratory illnesses like Influenza and Pneumococcal pneumonia can also help prevent acute exacerbations of ARD. CARD provides services like smoking cessation and vaccines that help patients help themselves. As you can see, follow-up can be key to living your best life with ARD. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an annual visit, please contact us. We also continue to offer grant-funded free asbestos health screening for those who are not diagnosed with ARD. CA Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. 10 Why Patients with Asbestos - Related Disease Need Follow - Up You came to CARD to be screened and were diagnosed with Asbestos - Related Disease ( ARD ) . Now what ? Many people have the impression that there is nothing that can be done for their disease and therefore there is no use in follow - up visits . That is not true . While ARD cannot be reversed , it's also not a reason to believe that your health is doomed . Granted , ARD is considered a progressive disease , but the prognosis varies from person to person . Some people do get progressively worse over a period of only a few years . However , we also have a large group of people who have been diagnosed but their disease remains stable for many years afterward and they continue to live active , productive lives . So what is the difference ? Unfortunately , we do not fully know the answer to that question . The best answer for now is , it's complicated , but CARD research is working toward learning more . We know that many things play into the progression or stability of ARD . The amount and means of asbestos exposure certainly plays a role . Genetics , and possibly gender may also be involved . Smoking and asbestos exposure are synergistic which means that disease in those who also smoke tends to be worse . Smoking also increases the risk of developing asbestos - related cancers . Increasingly , an individual's immune system response is being found to be important as well . Recent research has shown that those with certain auto - immune markers are statistically more likely to have progressive disease . In the future , such research may help find medications that , by affecting the immune system , also help slow the progression of ARD . We understand that some patients come in yearly because they are involved in litigation and their lawyers request annual updates on their condition . From a medical standpoint though , there are other reasons to be re - evaluated regularly . 1. Regular monitoring through history taking , pulmonary function testing , and imaging allows early identification of progression or complications , and sometimes identifies other disease processes like heart disease that can masquerade as respiratory symptoms . 2. While there is no cure , early intervention can lessen symptoms and improve quality of life . Interventions for ARD may consist of antibiotics for infections ; inhalers / nebulizers / steroid medications to help open reactive airways ; medications to help suppress cough ; medications to help alleviate chest wall pain ; supplemental oxygen when oxygen levels are low to improve organ function and cognition , as well as exercise tolerance . Patients can do much to help themselves , the two most important actions are smoking cessation and regular exercise to promote deep breathing . The difference these two interventions make can be seen in positive changes during pulmonary function testing . Immunizations against respiratory illnesses like Influenza and Pneumococcal pneumonia can also help prevent acute exacerbations of ARD . CARD provides services like smoking cessation and vaccines that help patients help themselves . As you can see , follow - up can be key to living your best life with ARD . If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an annual visit , please contact us . We also continue to offer grant - funded free asbestos health screening for those who are not diagnosed with ARD . CA Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . 10