Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease where the air sacs and tissue in the lungs get stiff and scarred. This makes it harder to breathe and perform everyday activities. The damage tends to get worse over time, and the effects on a person’s daily life can be serious. Pulmonary fibrosis most often arises in an aging population. It also can be challenging to diagnose, because symptoms such as shortness of breath, dry cough and tiredness can seem like other illnesses. To manage this condition well, it is important to notice the symptoms early, talk with a health care provider, and get the right treatment and support.
One type of pulmonary fibrosis is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This is the most common type, and health care providers don’t always know what causes it. Since many diseases can lead to lung scarring, finding the right diagnosis can be tricky. “IPF is an unpredictable disease that can get worse and cause permanent lung damage. The scarring makes it more difficult for oxygen to pass through the tiny air sacs in the lungs, resulting in irreversible damage and loss of lung function. One in four people with IPF may suffer acute exacerbation over a three-year period, resulting in a sudden worsening of symptoms, which can sometimes be an indicator of IPF,” explained Susan Orr, physician assistant with Prisma Health Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.
Health care providers can use different tools to find out if someone has pulmonary fibrosis. They listen to the lungs, check medical history, and use tests such as chest CT scans and lung function tests. Walking tests also may be done to see how well a person’s lungs work when he or she move. Sometimes blood tests and other exams can help rule out other reasons for lung problems.
There is no known cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and the scarring of the lungs cannot be reversed. But there are treatments that can help slow the disease and ease symptoms. “Treatment strategies for pulmonary fibrosis focus on minimizing inflammation and slowing the progression to fibrosis. While there currently is no known cure, supportive care measures can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include supplemental oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation programs and vaccination against respiratory infections to prevent complications. In severe cases where lung function continues to decline despite treatment, bilateral lung transplant may be considered as a potential cure. However, this option is reserved for select individuals and comes with its own set of challenges and risks,” Orr stated.
Support from health care providers, family and friends can help a lot. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is special exercise and training, can make breathing easier. Using oxygen, taking certain medicines, and getting vaccines against the flu and pneumonia can help prevent more problems. A wealth of resources, including support groups and mentor programs, exist to provide guidance and encouragement to those affected by pulmonary fibrosis.
Although there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow it down. That gives patients more time to enjoy their lives. If you notice you have trouble breathing, a long-lasting cough or feel unusually tired, talk to your health care provider. With the right care and support, people with pulmonary fibrosis can have a better quality of life.
For more information or to make an appointment with Prisma Health Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, call 865-980-5100.
