Pulmonary Fibrosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Pulmonary fibrosis is one of a large group of interstitial lung diseases. This disease can be defined as a condition in which lung tissue becomes scar tissue. This scar tissue builds up, making the lungs stiff and known as fibrosis. Thus, the patient usually has difficulty breathing.
This disease usually attacks elderly people between 50-75 years. The development of this disease varies, some are slow and some are fast. In some cases, the disease does not progress for several years. Often, the patient’s ability to breathe gets worse over time. Even patients can experience shortness of breath when resting.
Pulmonary fibrosis can lead to other diseases such as collapsed lungs, lung infections, blood clots in the lungs, and lung cancer. As the disease gets worse, it can lead to respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.
Symptom
Recognizable symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- Shortness of breath, especially when exercising
- Dry and short cough
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Gradual weight loss
- Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Clubbing fingers or clubbing fingers on the hands and feet
Reason
In most cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. Many risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis, such as:
- Smoke
- Viral infection
- Exposure to polluting environments such as silica, hard metal dust, bacteria, animal proteins, gases, and smoke
- Use of certain drugs
- genetics
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis from a detailed medical interview regarding symptoms and physical examination. History of smoking, employment, medication, family will be asked.
Examination of lung sounds is also important. Other investigations such as blood tests, chest X-rays, breathing tests, CT scans, and biopsies can help with the diagnosis. Blood tests to check oxygen levels in the blood and the possibility of infection. Breathing tests can tell how badly damaged the lungs are.
Treatment
There is no medicine that can cure pulmonary fibrosis. Once the lung tissue has become scarred, it cannot be restored. The goal of treatment is to slow the progress of the disease.
Some people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis will only live 3-5 years after diagnosis. Pulmonary fibrosis patients may require supplemental oxygen to assist breathing. Corticosteroid drugs can reduce the inflammatory process and slow disease progression.
Lung transplantation is also a treatment option. It’s best if you think about lung transplantation from the time pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed.
Prevention
Avoiding risk factors can prevent pulmonary fibrosis. Avoid smoking and cigarette smoke, both second and third-hand smoke. Avoid environments with lots of pollutants. Keep active and exercise regularly to strengthen your lungs and make it easier to breathe.