Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
The condition in which lung tissue becomes fibrosed and convert into scarred tissue. Pulmonary fibrosis occurred due to the chronic disease. After fibrosis lung tissue becomes stiff and affect the breathing ability of lung. It is an irreversible disease and damaged cannot be repaired or cured.
Symptoms
Following are signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis:
- Cold, clammy skin
- Cyanosis
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Suffocation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
Causes
There are many causes of pulmonary fibrosis which include:
- Silicosis
- Asbestosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Anthracosis
- Radiotherapy for certain chest and mediastinum cancers
- Certain heart medication
- Anti-inflammatory drugs also cause fibrosis
Diagnosis
After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor will recommend the following tests:
- Echocardiogram to check the electric activity of the heart
- Xray of chest to check the images of lungs and heart
- Pulmonary function test
- ECG to see the electrical rhythm
- Cardiac catheterization to check the structure of heart
- Pulse oximetry to check the blood oxygen level
- To check blood gas concentration
- Ultrasound of lungs
- Lung biopsy
Treatment
For pulmonary edema it is necessary to start supportive treatment urgently. Give oxygen to the patient and check the vital signs of the patient after that following treatment should be start as soon as possible:
- Oxygen therapy to control oxygen level
- Medications like pirfenidone to slow the progression of fibrosis
- Lung transplantation if damages is so severe
Lifestyle and home remedies
Following tips will help you:
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid going on high altitude
- Take medicine for blood pressure control
- Eat low cholesterol food
- Limit salt intake
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise daily
- Get vaccinated to prevent recurrent infections