Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis develops when a buildup of damaged or scarred lung tissue stiffens the lungs' air sacs, making breathing more difficult. Pulmonary fibrosis is often caused by exposure to occupational and environmental elements, or to radiation; the taking of certain medications; and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When it develops with no specific cause, it is classified as "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis."
Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Symptoms, which tend to worsen as pulmonary fibrosis progresses, include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Muscle aches
Untreated pulmonary fibrosis can lead to low blood-oxygen levels, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure and other serious complications.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis
To diagnose pulmonary fibrosis, the following tests may be performed:
- Chest X-ray
- CT scan
- Echocardiogram
- Pulmonary-function tests
- Exercise stress test
In some cases, a tissue biopsy is required to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis.
Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis typically includes the following:
- Corticosteroids
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Lung transplant
Which type of treatment is most appropriate is based on the individual patient.