Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos. The cancer manifests with many different symptoms depending on the stage it is in and the location of the body. In many cases, shortness of breath is one problem, but there are a number of ways to deal with it.
Mesothelioma is somewhat of a catch phrase for a certain type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It refers to a cancer of the Mesothelioma lining in the upper body. The problem is this lining is found everywhere from the sac surrounding the heart down to the organs in the lower abdomen. As a result, a diagnosis of Mesothelioma around the lower, far right lung is much different then the same diagnosis for the heart.
The vast number of Mesothelioma cases deal with cancer around the lung area. As a result, the lungs are often impacted in a couple of ways. The practical function many be disturbed, but the bigger problem is usually the embedding of small asbestos fibers in the alveoli where the air in the lungs is transferred into the blood. This can lead to shortness of breath for many patients.
Is there anything that can be done for shortness of breath in these situations? Yes. The first is to tell your doctor! He or she may prescribe medication or oxygen assisted breathing sessions to give you relief. You can take some practical steps as well. Meditation and yoga are excellent ideas as they help a person relax, which will reduce the taxation on your lungs. You should also consider sleeping on multiple pillows in an effort to get your head above the plain of your body. This will ease your breathing as well.
There is no cure per se to Mesothelioma, but early discovery can make the difference between living and dying. While the disease is deadly, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from some of the symptoms. Shortness of breath is one that can be dealt with if you make an effort.
