Annual Follow-up for Asbestos Related Disease Many people who have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases (ARD) have the impression that there is nothing that can be done for their disease and therefore they do not need to come for follow-up visits. While there are no specific medications ap- proved to reverse the associated non-malignant lung disease, there are treatments that can improve the quality of life and sometimes longevity as well. Prognosis varies from person to person. Some people do get progressively worse over a period of only a few years; however, many others have been diagnosed but their disease remains stable for many years afterward and they continue to live active, productive lives. Asbestos is associated with certain forms of cancer as well, including lung cancer. This risk increases severalfold when combined with smoking. Because of this, we offer free annual Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) for those who meet the qualifications under our grant. Finding lung cancer early allows for more effective treatment. We have many lung cancer survivors among our patients. Lung disease due to smoking can also result in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). When ARD and COPD occur together, the overall lung disease tends to be much worse. An individual's immune system seems to play an important role in the progression of ARD. Recent research has shown that those with certain auto-immune markers are statistically more likely to have progressive disease. Autoimmune disorders of varying types also seem to be potentially related to ARD, but research is ongoing. In the future, such research may help find medications that, by affecting the immune system, also help slow the progression of ARD. Annual follow-up visits are important for many reasons. 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. While there is no cure, early intervention can lessen symptoms and improve quality of life. Interventions may consist of behavioral modifications such as regular tailored exercise or weight loss, antibiotics for infection; inhalers/nebulizers/ steroid medications to help open reactive airways; medication to help suppress cough; 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 if one is a smoker and regular exercise to promote deep breathing. The differ- ence these two interventions make can be seen in positive changes during pulmonary function testing and often in reduced symptoms. Immunizations against respiratory illnesses like influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and others can help prevent acute exacerbations of ARD. Follow-up can be key to living your best life with ARD. If you would like to schedule an annual visit or inquire about lung cancer screening. please visit CARD of call us at (406) 293-9274. If you are not diagnosed with ARD and think you may have been exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos in Lincoln County, MT, please call to see if you qualify for a free asbestos health screening. There is also information on our website at www.libbyasbestos.org. CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant #5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Annual Follow - up for Asbestos Related Disease Many people who have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases ( ARD ) have the impression that there is nothing that can be done for their disease and therefore they do not need to come for follow - up visits . While there are no specific medications ap- proved to reverse the associated non - malignant lung disease , there are treatments that can improve the quality of life and sometimes longevity as well . Prognosis varies from person to person . Some people do get progressively worse over a period of only a few years ; however , many others have been diagnosed but their disease remains stable for many years afterward and they continue to live active , productive lives . Asbestos is associated with certain forms of cancer as well , including lung cancer . This risk increases severalfold when combined with smoking . Because of this , we offer free annual Lung Cancer Screening ( LCS ) for those who meet the qualifications under our grant . Finding lung cancer early allows for more effective treatment . We have many lung cancer survivors among our patients . Lung disease due to smoking can also result in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD ) . When ARD and COPD occur together , the overall lung disease tends to be much worse . An individual's immune system seems to play an important role in the progression of ARD . Recent research has shown that those with certain auto - immune markers are statistically more likely to have progressive disease . Autoimmune disorders of varying types also seem to be potentially related to ARD , but research is ongoing . In the future , such research may help find medications that , by affecting the immune system , also help slow the progression of ARD . Annual follow - up visits are important for many reasons . 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 . While there is no cure , early intervention can lessen symptoms and improve quality of life . Interventions may consist of behavioral modifications such as regular tailored exercise or weight loss , antibiotics for infection ; inhalers / nebulizers / steroid medications to help open reactive airways ; medication to help suppress cough ; 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 if one is a smoker and regular exercise to promote deep breathing . The differ- ence these two interventions make can be seen in positive changes during pulmonary function testing and often in reduced symptoms . Immunizations against respiratory illnesses like influenza , pneumococcal pneumonia , and others can help prevent acute exacerbations of ARD . Follow - up can be key to living your best life with ARD . If you would like to schedule an annual visit or inquire about lung cancer screening . please visit CARD of call us at ( 406 ) 293-9274 . If you are not diagnosed with ARD and think you may have been exposed to Libby amphibole asbestos in Lincoln County , MT , please call to see if you qualify for a free asbestos health screening . There is also information on our website at www.libbyasbestos.org . CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH