Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPFIt is an acute disease that affects the lungs, causing scarring of the lung and the tissues of the alveoli gradually turn into fibrous tissue, and when the scars form, the tissue becomes thickened, causing the lungs to be unable to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.
According to Onlymyhealth
There are major causes of pulmonary fibrosis:
1- Medicines
Some drugs may cause pulmonary fibrosis, such as cancer chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs.
2- Work environment
People most exposed to dust and fumes have a higher risk of lung disease, such as farmers, ranchers, hairdressers, stone cutters, metal workers, and more.
3- Age
The elderly in general are more likely to have lung diseases, especially over the age of 60.
4- Hereditary factor
People with a history of perinatal fibrosis are more likely to develop it, and genetics can also be a cause of pulmonary fibrosis.
5- Smoking
Cigarette smoking is a great danger to many organs of the body, especially the lungs. It is a major cause of many lung diseases, including fibrosis due to the gathering of smoke in the air sacs.
–
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis
1- Loss of appetite
2- Sudden weight loss
3- A dry cough
4- Chest pain
5- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis
This disease is usually diagnosed by X-ray and high-resolution tomography to test chest and lung functions, and in rare cases the doctor may resort to taking a lung biopsy to diagnose this fibrosis through bronchoscopy where the doctor examines the abnormal areas in the lungs using a lighted tube that is passed through the throat To the lungs.
Treatment of pulmonary fibrosis
There are two types of treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, pharmacological by taking anti-fibers drugs, and non-pharmacological through pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises and maintaining the health of the patient’s lung function, but in late cases of the disease, oxygen is added, and in extreme cases, a transplant option can also be provided. Lung disease is a disease. Often there is no cure for lung fibrosis and symptoms do not improve, but treatments can slow lung damage and this also varies from person to person.
– .