Discuss your concerns with your GP. They will be able to reassure you about the condition. Many patients are worried by their treating doctor telling them that there is no treatment for the condition. What many are not told, however, is that the condition does not cause any symptoms and the condition will not develop into anything more serious. There is no need for any treatment, therefore.
Ask your GP to refer you for a chest X-ray every 2 years. This will reassure you that nothing more serious is developing. Your doctor can then keep an eye on you on a regular basis.
Go to see your GP if you develop any pain, breathlessness or discomfort. He can then arrange for the cause of your symptoms to be discovered. Remember – more likely than not the symptoms are being caused by something totally unconnected with your asbestos exposure.
Contact your local asbestos support group – see our "Useful Contacts". They will be able to give you advice and reassurance. If you join a support group you will be able to meet people in the same situation who have similar concerns. You can also find useful information on various websites.
Carry on with your life as normal. Pleural Plaques do not usually cause any symptoms so it should not stop you from doing what you usually do. Whether it be gardening, cycling, swimming or rambling, just carry on with it. If you do get breathless then it is probably something totally unconnected with your Pleural Plaques.
For more information please contact Cenric Clement-Evans or Lorraine Evans on (01685) 371122. Alternatively email asbestos@hughjames.com.
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