Pulmonary fibrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment

The causes of pulmonary fibrosis are unknown, however it is believed that genetic factors may play an important role in the development of this disease. However, there are some risk factors that increase the chances of suffering from cystic fibrosis:

• Smoking
• Gastroesophageal reflux .
• Being exposed to substances such as sawdust, lead, wood, asbestos, or steel.
• Having autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Have a lung infection such as tuberculosis.

There are two types of pulmonary fibrosis :

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : it is the most common and occurs due to the thickening of the lungs without an apparent cause.
• Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis : This type of pulmonary fibrosis encompasses several disorders. In this case, the tissue around the alveoli, called the interstitium, becomes rigid, preventing them from expanding when breathing.

The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can vary depending on the type of fibrosis that develops. However, the common sign of this condition is shortness of breath.

In the case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis , the symptoms are:

• Pain in the chest.
• Dry cough and generally at night.
• Breathing difficulty when performing any exercise

The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis are:

• Fatigue.
• Loss of muscle mass.
• Joint pain.
• Weightloss.
• Enlargement of the base of the nails or hippocratic fingers, this is a sign that the disease is advanced.
• Shortness of breath when doing everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, talking, or bathing.
• Purple coloration on the lips, nails and skin.

It should be noted that these symptoms usually worsen in a matter of months or a few years.

A pulmonologist will be in charge of diagnosing this condition, however he will need other specialties such as radiologists and pathologists. The first will be a physical evaluation to see if there are breath sounds , bluish discoloration of the skin or nails, or hippocratic fingers. Additionally, pulmonary function tests will be performed, such as spirometry , as well as a chest CT scan.

If it does not meet the radiological parameters to make the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, which may indicate that the disease is in an initial phase or that the inflammation is very acute, a lung biopsy should be performed . Because it is an invasive test, it is necessary for a hospital committee to approve it, since doing so could worsen the patient’s condition.

There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and treatment will depend on the cause of the disease. In case of autoimmune diseases, drugs that suppress the immune system will be administered. If the disease has no apparent cause, treatment will be aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting lung function. The drugs that are commonly used are called antifibrotics such as pirfenidone and nintedanib.

If your blood oxygen levels are very low, it is necessary to perform oxygen therapy , likewise, changes at home and in lifestyle will reduce the symptoms. In advanced cases of pulmonary fibrosis, a lung transplant will be necessary .

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. If you present the following symptoms you should contact your doctor:

• You cannot take deep breaths.
• You have a fever.
• Frequent headaches
• Dark expectorations.
• Drowsiness and confusion

The following tips will make it easier for you to care for people with pulmonary fibrosis and help prevent complications:

• Stay active by taking short walks.
• Avoid talking while walking.
• The cigarette must be prohibited.
• Avoid being in contact with people who smoke.
• Get vaccinated every year against the flu.
• Wear masks if there are people around you who are sick.
• Avoid strong odors.
• Take the medications your doctor has prescribed.
• Eat small meals more often.
• Don’t drink too much liquid before meals.
• Eat energy-giving foods like peanut butter, protein supplements, cheesy vegetables, and creamy vegetable spreads.
• Do breathing exercises.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pulmonary fibrosis: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .