[The incidence of airway obstruction in asbestosis]

In a retrospective study we have examined the clinical data, radiographs and lung function of 382 men with an asbestosis, established by occupational exposure and typical findings in the chest x-ray, according to the ILO-classification from 1980. In particular the correlation between airflow limitation, asbestosis of lung and/or pleura and smoking habits was investigated. However the mean values of parameters were only marginally pathological, lifetime non-smokers showed a significant increase of airway obstruction in connection with advanced radiologic alterations. Current smokers with medium or severe radiologic alterations had on average a significant airway obstruction which was more pronounced in cases with pleural lesions than with pulmonary alterations. In conclusion an additive or even multiplying effect of smoking and asbestosis has to be considered.