What is lung fibrosis?
lung fibrosis is a disease that causes damage to lung tissue. From a medical point of view, the word lungs concerns the lungs and fibrosis means scarring. Lung fibrosis conveniently named is the scarring of lung tissue. The exact cause of lung fibrosis is unknown, but many factors were associated with the development of the disease. Symptoms of lung fibrosis imitate many other conditions and therefore some people may be undiagnosed.
It is estimated that about 40,000 people die of lung fibrosis every year. This disease causes scarring in the lungs, which in turn causes the pulmonary tissue to be thick and stiff. This reduces the amount of oxygen that can pass the lungs into the bloodstream and can make breathing more difficult. Factors
contributing to the development of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental and work substances such as asbestos, chronic disease, radiation therapy and certain drugs. Some scientists have combined the genetic factors of the disease, but much is still unknown. In some casesPatients developed lung fibrosis without apparent cause.
Symptoms of lung fibrosis include shortness of breath, especially during exertion, as well as chronic cough, chest pain and discomfort. Because these symptoms are common for other diseases, lung fibrosis is generally diagnosed on the basis of a medical history of symptoms that have deteriorated. While diagnostic tests such as lung function testing can detect abnormalities, lung biopsy can confirm the presence of fibrosis.
There is currently no known drug for lung fibrosis. The treatment options are limited because the scarring is permanent. Treatment options that exist may include lung or medication transplantation. Pulmonary fibrosis reduces oxygen levels in the blood and therefore many patients are treated with oxygen to prevent hypertension and alleviate hypoxia. Lung fibrosis may result in additional complications, including the increased risk of blood clots that are lE -anticoagulant.
Patients diagnosed with lung fibrosis should be treated with a lung specialist who has experience with this disease. The average life expectancy varies depending on the type and extent of fibrosis. Although there is no medicine for this disease, doctors can in many cases alleviate symptoms of therapy and treatment.