What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Pulmonary Fibrosis involves scarring of the
lung. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by fibrotic
tissue. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an
irreversible loss of the tissue's ability to transfer oxygen into
the bloodstream.
What are the symptoms?
•
Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion
•
Chronic dry, hacking cough
•
Fatigue and weakness
•
Discomfort in the chest
•
Loss of appetite
•
Rapid weight loss
What's the prevalence of Pulmonary
Fibrosis?
•
5,000,000 people Worldwide affected
•
200,000 patients in the United States, of these:
•
40,000 expire annually
•
Typically patients are in their 40s and 50s when diagnosed, however,
diagnoses have ranged
from age 7 to the 80s.
What are the causes?
While the exact cause remains unknown, associations have been made
with the following:
•
Inhaled environmental and occupational pollutants
•
Diseases such as Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Sarcoidosis
•
Certain medications
•
Therapeutic radiation
How is it treated?
There are currently no effective treatments or a cure for Pulmonary
Fibrosis. Supplemental oxygen improves the quality of life and exercise
capacity. Single lung transplant may be considered for some patients.
Pulmonary Fibrosis is a very complex disease and the prediction of
longevity of patients varies greatly.
How can I take care of myself?
If you smoke, quitting can slow the progress of the disease considerably.
You can partially control symptoms by following these guidelines for
home care:
•
Stop smoking.
•
Avoid smoke-filled environments.
•
Eat nutritious foods.
•
Eat high-calorie snacks between meals
if you are underweight.
•
Take vitamin and mineral supplements
if recommended by your doctor.
•
Be as active as you comfortably can.
•
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
•
Learn to use relaxation techniques to
reduce anxiety and fear.
•
Get pneumonia immunization as well as
annual flu immunizations.
For more information regarding Pulmonary
Fibrosis, please contact
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
or The
Temple Lung Center
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