Pulmonary fibrosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pulmonary fibrosis | |||
| image = [[File:End-stage_interstitial_lung_disease_(honeycomb_lung).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Honeycomb lung in end-stage interstitial lung disease | |||
| field = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Shortness of breath]], [[chronic cough]], [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[weight loss]] | |||
| complications = [[Pulmonary hypertension]], [[respiratory failure]], [[lung cancer]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Long term | |||
| causes = [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]], [[connective tissue disease]], [[occupational exposure]] | |||
| risks = [[Smoking]], [[viral infections]], [[genetic predisposition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Chest X-ray]], [[CT scan]], [[lung biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], [[asthma]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| treatment = [[Oxygen therapy]], [[antifibrotic agents]], [[lung transplantation]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, often poor | |||
| frequency = 5 million globally | |||
}} | |||
'''Pulmonary fibrosis''' is a condition in which the tissue of the [[lungs]] becomes thick and scarred, usually due to [[inflammation]] caused by various lung conditions, such as [[pneumonia]] or [[tuberculosis]]. This scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to function properly and can result in decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to shortness of breath and other symptoms. | '''Pulmonary fibrosis''' is a condition in which the tissue of the [[lungs]] becomes thick and scarred, usually due to [[inflammation]] caused by various lung conditions, such as [[pneumonia]] or [[tuberculosis]]. This scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to function properly and can result in decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to shortness of breath and other symptoms. | ||
== Signs and symptoms == | == Signs and symptoms == | ||
Common signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include: | Common signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include: | ||
* Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity | * Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity | ||
* Persistent dry cough | * Persistent dry cough | ||
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== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by several factors, including: | Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by several factors, including: | ||
* Inflammatory lung conditions, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis | * Inflammatory lung conditions, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis | ||
* Exposure to environmental factors, like asbestos, silica dust, or certain chemicals | * Exposure to environmental factors, like asbestos, silica dust, or certain chemicals | ||
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* Genetic factors, which can contribute to the development of familial pulmonary fibrosis | * Genetic factors, which can contribute to the development of familial pulmonary fibrosis | ||
* In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, and the condition is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. | * In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, and the condition is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. | ||
== Risk factors == | == Risk factors == | ||
Risk factors for developing pulmonary fibrosis include: | Risk factors for developing pulmonary fibrosis include: | ||
* Age: The condition is more common in middle-aged and older adults | * Age: The condition is more common in middle-aged and older adults | ||
* Smoking: Current or former smokers are at higher risk | * Smoking: Current or former smokers are at higher risk | ||
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* Family history: A family history of pulmonary fibrosis may indicate a genetic predisposition | * Family history: A family history of pulmonary fibrosis may indicate a genetic predisposition | ||
* Previous lung infections: Having a history of lung infections may increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis | * Previous lung infections: Having a history of lung infections may increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis typically involves a combination of the following: | Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis typically involves a combination of the following: | ||
* Physical examination, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope | * Physical examination, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope | ||
* Imaging tests, such as chest X-ray or CT scan, to detect abnormalities in lung tissue | * Imaging tests, such as chest X-ray or CT scan, to detect abnormalities in lung tissue | ||
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* Blood tests, to rule out other conditions or identify markers associated with pulmonary fibrosis | * Blood tests, to rule out other conditions or identify markers associated with pulmonary fibrosis | ||
* Lung biopsy, to obtain a tissue sample for analysis (in some cases) | * Lung biopsy, to obtain a tissue sample for analysis (in some cases) | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include: | There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include: | ||
Antifibrotic drugs, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, which may help slow the progression of the disease | Antifibrotic drugs, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, which may help slow the progression of the disease | ||
* Corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs | * Corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs | ||
* Immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate, to help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of fibrosis | * Immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate, to help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of fibrosis | ||
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* Oxygen therapy, to increase oxygen levels in the blood and alleviate shortness of breath | * Oxygen therapy, to increase oxygen levels in the blood and alleviate shortness of breath | ||
* Lung transplant, which may be considered for patients with severe pulmonary fibrosis who do not respond to other treatments | * Lung transplant, which may be considered for patients with severe pulmonary fibrosis who do not respond to other treatments | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the rate of progression, and the individual's overall health. Some people may experience a gradual decline in lung function over many years, while others may experience rapid progression and severe respiratory complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve the quality of life and potentially slow the progression of the disease. | The prognosis for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the rate of progression, and the individual's overall health. Some people may experience a gradual decline in lung function over many years, while others may experience rapid progression and severe respiratory complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve the quality of life and potentially slow the progression of the disease. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Interstitial lung disease]] | * [[Interstitial lung disease]] | ||
* [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]] | * [[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:19, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Pulmonary fibrosis | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss |
| Complications | Pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, lung cancer |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue disease, occupational exposure |
| Risks | Smoking, viral infections, genetic predisposition |
| Diagnosis | Chest X-ray, CT scan, lung biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart failure |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy, antifibrotic agents, lung transplantation |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, often poor |
| Frequency | 5 million globally |
| Deaths | N/A |
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the tissue of the lungs becomes thick and scarred, usually due to inflammation caused by various lung conditions, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. This scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to function properly and can result in decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to shortness of breath and other symptoms.
Signs and symptoms[edit]
Common signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Persistent dry cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Aching joints and muscles
- Clubbing of the fingers and toes (in advanced cases)
Causes[edit]
Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by several factors, including:
- Inflammatory lung conditions, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Exposure to environmental factors, like asbestos, silica dust, or certain chemicals
- Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, heart medications, and some antibiotics
- Radiation therapy to the chest
- Genetic factors, which can contribute to the development of familial pulmonary fibrosis
- In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, and the condition is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Risk factors[edit]
Risk factors for developing pulmonary fibrosis include:
- Age: The condition is more common in middle-aged and older adults
- Smoking: Current or former smokers are at higher risk
- Certain occupations: Jobs that involve exposure to dust, chemicals, or other lung irritants can increase the risk
- Family history: A family history of pulmonary fibrosis may indicate a genetic predisposition
- Previous lung infections: Having a history of lung infections may increase the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis typically involves a combination of the following:
- Physical examination, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
- Imaging tests, such as chest X-ray or CT scan, to detect abnormalities in lung tissue
- Lung function tests, to assess lung capacity and oxygen levels
- Blood tests, to rule out other conditions or identify markers associated with pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung biopsy, to obtain a tissue sample for analysis (in some cases)
Treatment[edit]
There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include: Antifibrotic drugs, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, which may help slow the progression of the disease
- Corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs
- Immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate, to help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of fibrosis
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise, breathing techniques, and nutritional counseling, to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning
- Oxygen therapy, to increase oxygen levels in the blood and alleviate shortness of breath
- Lung transplant, which may be considered for patients with severe pulmonary fibrosis who do not respond to other treatments
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the rate of progression, and the individual's overall health. Some people may experience a gradual decline in lung function over many years, while others may experience rapid progression and severe respiratory complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve the quality of life and potentially slow the progression of the disease.
