Pulmonary Fibrosis

PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Pulmonary fibrosis. Deep breathing becomes difficult if you have pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a thickening and scarring of the lungs. This kind of interstitial lung illness affects the tissue that lies between your lungs’ alveoli, or air sacs. Lung tissues that are hard and rigid don’t expand as much as they need to. People with pulmonary fibrosis may experience dyspnea while performing everyday chores that previously seemed invigorating.

PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Permanent pulmonary fibrosis, also known as progressive pulmonary fibrosis, typically worsens with time. short of breath and scarring (fibrosis) are common outcomes of pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive lung disease marked by the thickness and rigidity of lung tissue. As an idiopathic condition, IPF has no recognized cause and is classified as an interstitial lung disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
Breathlessness, particularly during or shortly after exertion
Short, shallow bursts of breath
A persistent dry cough
Fatigue
Unaccounted-for weight loss
Fingers that are clubbed
The skin surrounding your lips, eyes, or nails may be bluish, gray, or white (cyanosis).

Causes

Experts believe that pulmonary fibrosis results from improper lung healing from inflammation or injury. Among the specific causes include connective tissue disorders. These include lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
exposures to the environment. Silica, beryllium, and asbestos are among the substances that can leave scars on the lungs. An allergy to specific molds, germs, or fragments of bird droppings or feathers can also result in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Granulomatous illness. These include Langerhans cell histiocytosis and sarcoidosis.
drugs or therapies. These consist of radiation therapy, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, and amiodarone.
Smoking.
The exact cause is typically unknown.

Treatment

antifibrotic drugs. Pirfenidone (Esbriet®) or nintedanib may prevent lung damage and maintain lung function.
Corticosteroids. These are occasionally applied to lessen inflammation.
oxygen treatment. If your blood or tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen, your doctor will prescribe more. It enters your nose through a tube or mask.
rehabilitation for the lungs. Your lungs can get stronger and breathing easier with physical therapy and breathing exercises.
lung replacement. A lung transplant is an option for certain fibrosis patients.
clinical experiments. Your doctor can assist you in participating in a trial on novel medications that may benefit people if you’re interested.
Additionally, you might require medicine to treat illnesses that exacerbate scarring (such as GERD) or underlying reasons (such as autoimmune disease).

Prevention

Numerous causes of this cannot be avoided. Your chance of developing lung scarring from exposure to the environment can be decreased by:
A respirator is a mask that filters airborne particles; if you must work with them, wear one to protect your lungs from things that can damage them, such as chemicals, metal dust, or asbestos.
A respirator mask should be worn when working near heating and cooling systems, hay, grain, bird droppings, or feathers, as these items can trigger long-term allergic reactions.
Either not smoking or giving up smoking

Summary

Every PF case is unique, thus it’s critical to keep in mind that nobody can predict your future. Sometimes, treatment can enhance your quality of life and slow the course of pulmonary fibrosis. Ask your physician openly about what to anticipate in your particular circumstance.