Causes and risk factors
Pulmonary fibrosis is caused by scarring of tissue inside and between air sacs in the lungs. When the scar forms, lung tissue becomes stiff and thicker. This makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the walls of air sacs into the blood stream. Pulmonary fibrosis can be due to no known cause called as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However it can also be secondary to other disease conditions like tuberculosis , pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, chronic exposure to asbestos, silica; hypersensitive pneumonitis, cigarette smoking, side effects of certain medication , radiation treatment to chest.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with chronic dry hacking cough. Patient complaints of shortness of breath, breathlessness which is worse on exertion. Fatigue, discomfort, and weakness in chest is experienced by the patient. There is loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. Aching in joints and muscles is also experienced. Clubbing of fingers is seen.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests, pulmonary function test are done. Imaging studies like chest x-ray, CT scan are done to diagnose the disease. Lung biopsy is done to evaluate further. Test for arterial blood gases is performed to check the % of oxygen in blood.
Treatment
Fibrosis that has already occurred cannot be reversed. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, preventing further damage to the lung and improving lung function. Treatment involves steroid medicines to reduce lung inflammation. Supplemental oxygen therapy to treat shortness of breath. Pulmonary rehabilitation involves physical exercises, breathing techniques and nutritional counselling. Doctor advises to quit smoking, eat balanced diet and maintain ideal body weight.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating pulmonary fibrosis.
Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating pulmonary fibrosis.
