Pulmonary Fibrosis
What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue, making it thick and stiff. This scarring reduces the lungs' ability to function and absorb oxygen, leading to shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms.
Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis:
- Idiopathic: No known cause (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)
- Environmental exposures: Dust, chemicals, or pollutants
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
- Medications: Some drugs like chemotherapy agents
- Genetic factors: Family history of pulmonary fibrosis
- Other lung diseases: Chronic infections or asthma
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Progressive shortness of breath
- Dry, persistent cough
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Clubbing (widening) of fingers and toes in advanced stages
Popular Treatment Methods:
- Medications: Anti-fibrotic drugs like pirfenidone or nintedanib
- Oxygen therapy: To improve oxygen levels in the blood
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: To improve lung function and quality of life
- Lung transplant: In severe cases
- Vaccinations: To prevent respiratory infections