Scroll Top

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs
that makes breathing more difficult.
ON THIS PAGE

Understanding Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that causes scarring and rigidity in the lungs. Breathing becomes difficult as a result of this. It can make it difficult for your body to acquire enough oxygen, which can lead to respiratory failure, heart failure, and other issues.

Researchers believe that pulmonary fibrosis is caused by a mix of lung irritants such as specific chemicals, smoking, and infections, as well as genetics and immune system activity.

Inflammation was formerly assumed to be the cause of the disease. Scientists now believe that the lungs have an aberrant healing process that results in scarring. Pulmonary fibrosis develops as a result of severe lung scarring.

What are the signs and
symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?

It’s possible that you’ve had pulmonary fibrosis for a long time and haven’t seen any symptoms. The first symptom that appears is usually shortness of breath.

Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Chronic cough with dry hacking (long term)
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Clubbing refers to the curvature of the fingernails.
  • Weight loss
  • Discomfort in the chest

Early symptoms are sometimes misattributed to age or a lack of activity because the ailment primarily affects older persons.

Your symptoms may appear minor at first, but they will worsen over time. Symptoms differ from one person to the next. Pneumopulmonary fibrosis can make some people very sick very rapidly.

What Causes
pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Causes

What Causes pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is caused by a variety of factors, which can be classified as follows:

  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Infections
  • Exposure to the environment
  • Medications
  • Idiopathic “without a cause” (unknown)
  • Genetics

Autoimmune Diseases

The immune system of your body attacks itself in autoimmune illnesses. The following autoimmune diseases can cause pulmonary fibrosis:

Infections

Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by the following infections:

  • Infections caused by bacteria
  • Hepatitis C, adenovirus, herpes virus, and other viruses cause viral illnesses.

Exposure to the Environment

Pulmonary fibrosis can also be caused by exposure to substances in the environment or at work. Cigarette smoke, for example, has a number of substances that can harm your lungs and contribute to this ailment.

Other factors that can harm your lungs are:

  • Fibres of asbestos
  • Grain dust
  • Silica dust
  • A variety of gases
  • Radiation

Medications

Some drugs can make you more susceptible to pulmonary fibrosis. If you use one of these medications on a daily basis, your doctor may need to keep an eye on you.

  • Cyclophosphamide, for example, is a chemotherapy medication.
  • Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) and sulfasalazine are examples of antibiotics (Azulfidine)
  • Amiodarone, for example, is a cardiac medication (Nexterone)
  • Adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept are examples of biologic medicines (Enbrel)

Idiopathic

The specific cause of pulmonary fibrosis is uncertain in many situations. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the name for this type of pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

The majority of persons with pulmonary fibrosis have IPF, according to the British Lung Foundation.

Genetics

According to Asthma and Lung UK, 3 to 20% of patients with IPF have a pulmonary fibrosis-affected family relative. It’s called familial pulmonary fibrosis or familial interstitial pneumonia in these circumstances.

Some genes have been related to the illness, and study into the impact of genetics is underway.

How is
pulmonary fibrosis
diagnosed?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis

How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?

Pulmonary fibrosis is one of over 200 different kinds of lung disease. Your doctor may have trouble determining that pulmonary fibrosis is the cause of your symptoms because there are so many different types of lung disorders.

According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s survey, 55% of people had been misdiagnosed at some point. Asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis were the most prevalent misdiagnoses.

According to current recommendations, two out of every three individuals with pulmonary fibrosis can now be correctly diagnosed without undergoing a biopsy.

Your doctor will be more likely to appropriately diagnose you if he or she combines your clinical information with the results of a certain type of chest CT scan.

A tissue sample, or biopsy, may be required in circumstances where the diagnosis is uncertain.

A surgical lung biopsy can be done in a variety of ways, and your doctor will choose the one that is best for you.

To diagnose pulmonary fibrosis or rule out other illnesses, your doctor may employ a variety of additional technologies. These may include the following:

  • A noninvasive test of your blood oxygen levels is called pulse oximetry.
  • Tests for autoimmune disorders, infections, and anaemia in the blood
  • An arterial blood gas test to determine the oxygen levels in your blood more precisely
  • A sample of sputum to look for symptoms of infection
  • A pulmonary function test is a test that determines the capacity of your lungs.
  • Echocardiography or a cardiac stress test to evaluate if your symptoms are caused by a heart condition

When it comes to
pulmonary fibrosis
who is at risk
and can it be prevented?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Risks

When it comes to pulmonary fibrosis
who is at risk and can it be prevented?

If you do any of the following, you’re more likely to be diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis:

  • Are male
  • Are between 40 and 70 years old
  • Smoke or have previously smoked
  • Have a history of the disease in your family
  • Have an autoimmune problem as a result of the illness
  • Have used medications that are linked to the disease
  • Have undergone cancer treatments, including chest radiation
  • Work in a high-risk industry, such as mining, farming, or building

Some types of pulmonary fibrosis are unavoidable. Other cases are connected to modifiable environmental and behavioural risk factors. To reduce your chances of contracting the condition, follow these guidelines:

  • Smoking should be avoided
  • Secondhand smoke should be avoided at all costs
  • If you operate in a workplace containing hazardous chemicals, wear a face mask or other breathing gear

Make an appointment with your doctor if you’re having problems breathing. For persons with numerous lung disorders, including pulmonary fibrosis, early identification and treatment can improve their long-term outlook.

How is
pulmonary fibrosis
treated?

Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatments

How is pulmonary fibrosis treated?

Your doctor won’t be able to reverse the scarring in your lungs, but he or she can prescribe therapies to help you breathe better and reduce the disease’s progression.

The following are some examples of current therapy options for pulmonary fibrosis:

  • Oxygen supplementation
  • Prednisone is a medication that suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation.
  • To suppress your immune system, take azathioprine (Imuran) or mycophenolate (CellCept).
  • Antifibrotic medications pirfenidone (Esbriet) or nintedanib (Ofev) stop the scarring process in the lungs

Pulmonary rehabilitation may also be recommended by your doctor. This treatment consists of an exercise, education, and support programme that will teach you how to breathe more effortlessly.

Your doctor may also advise you to make lifestyle adjustments. The following are examples of possible changes:

  • If you smoke, you should avoid secondhand smoke and take steps to quit. This can help you breathe easier and reduce the progression of the condition.
  • Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet.
  • Follow an exercise plan devised with the help of your doctor.
  • Get enough sleep and stay away from stressful situations.

For patients under the age of 65 who have severe disease, a lung transplant may be indicated.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

According to a recent study, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reverse several of the fundamental hallmarks of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in mice and human lung cells. The findings imply that this treatment, which involves delivering pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber, should be looked into further as a possible PF treatment 1.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy has been proven to be safe and successful in applications such as the treatment of lung disease 2.

Ozone therapy

Ozone therapy has been utilised to prevent lung fibrosis when these opacities evolve into pulmonary fibrosis. It is well established that oxidative stress promotes wound healing and helps the immune system, and it is also inexpensive and free of adverse effects.  3.

Red Light Therapy

Recent studies have shown that Red light therapy improves both inflammatory and fibrotic parameters in the experimental model of lung fibrosis 4.

Infrared Sauna therapy

Infrared sauna therapy as a treatment intervention for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health conditions 5.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy outside the chamber

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

According to a recent study, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reverse several of the fundamental hallmarks of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in mice and human lung cells. The findings imply that this treatment, which involves delivering pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber, should be looked into further as a possible PF treatment 1.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy has been proven to be safe and successful in applications such as the treatment of lung disease 2.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy

Ozone therapy has been utilised to prevent lung fibrosis when these opacities evolve into pulmonary fibrosis. It is well established that oxidative stress promotes wound healing and helps the immune system, and it is also inexpensive and free of adverse effects.  3.

Red Light Therapy

Red Light Therapy

Recent studies have shown that Red light therapy improves both inflammatory and fibrotic parameters in the experimental model of lung fibrosis 4.

Infrared Sauna Therapy Mobile

Infrared Sauna therapy

Infrared sauna therapy as a treatment intervention for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health conditions 5.

SUMMARY

Pulmonary Fibrosis Summary

SUMMARY

Pulmonary fibrosis scars people’s lungs at different rates. Scarring isn’t reversible, however, your doctor can suggest treatments to slow down the progression of your condition.

A multitude of problems, including respiratory failure, can arise as a result of the illness. This occurs when your lungs stop working properly and are unable to deliver enough oxygen to your blood.

Lung cancer is also increased by pulmonary fibrosis.