What is Fibrosis of the Lungs | Treatment in Haldwani

What is Fibrosis of the Lungs?

Pulmonary fibrosis, which strictly speaking is fibrosis of the lung, is a nonspecific, progressive, and usually incurable lung disease, typified by scarring and thickening of the lung. This fibrous scarring or fibrosis is concentrated mostly on the interstitial tissues or the spaces between the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which makes it harder and harder to transfer the oxygen into the bloodstream. Advancing disease causes the lungs to stiffen and lose their compliance, making it very difficult to breathe, hence a lack of oxygen in the rest of the body.

What Causes the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis?

The reason behind what is Fibrosis of the Lungs may be various. Causative factors that include long-term exposure to environmental pollutants (examples are asbestos, silica dust, or bird excreta), certain drugs (including some chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics), radiation treatment, or a predisposing autoimmune disease (examples are chronic rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma) can identify the causes in some cases. The cause can be unknown in many cases. In the absence of a certain cause, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Who is In Danger?

Middle-aged and elderly people are most frequently involved in pulmonary fibrosis, but people of all ages may get it as well. Risk factors are –

• Age – The majority of patients are diagnosed between the ages of 50-70.
• Smoking – Active or ex-smokers have a greater risk.
• Occupational Exposures – Mine work, farm work, or construction work could contribute to risk, exposure to dust, and chemicals.
• Family History – There may be a hereditary tendency since there are instances when the disease occurs in a family.
• Other Medical Conditions – Chronic infections and Autoimmune diseases are possible as well.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of pulmonary fibrosis tend to show gradually, and they can be confused with other respiratory disorders during the initial symptoms. Known symptoms are –

• Difficulty Breathing – Threatened breath, especially when a person is about to do some exercises or even wake up, a condition that intensifies with the duration of existence.
• Persistent Cough without Phlegm – A non-mucus-producing cough that lasts a long time.
• Fatigue and Weakness – Generalized fatigue and a decrease in the endurance of activities
• Accidental weight loss – Weight loss when one is not trying to lose.
• General sore muscles and joints – Discomfort or aching is generalized.
• Weaning Of Fingers Or Toes – The tips of fingers or toes are widened and rounded in severe cases.

In later stages of the disease, patients can develop an increasing difficulty in breathing even when not in motion, and need to use oxygen to ensure proper blood oxygenation.

The Causes and Forms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by more than 200 interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), more so, having similar signs of lung scarring. The key versions are the following ones –

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) – It manifests as the most frequent, and there is no known cause.
• Environmental/Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis – A prolonged exposure to a substance of toxifying nature, like dust, mold, or chemicals, causes environmental pulmonary fibrosis.
• Autoimmune-Related Pulmonary Fibrosis – This is related to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis caused by Drugs or Radiation – This complication can occur due to some drugs or radiation to the chest.

Pulmonary fibrosis, as an interstitial lung disease, has become common in India, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It normally affects patients with an average age of 55 years and affects more men than women.

Diagnosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is not always diagnosed easily because the given disorder is confused with other lung disorders due to the similarity of the symptoms. The process of diagnosis is largely characterised by –

• Medical and Family History – Symptom evaluation, occupational history, and family history.
• Physical Examination – Checking the base of the lungs by listening to the sounds of crackling.

Imaging Tests 

• X-ray of the chest – There may be scarring visible in the chest, but it is not always reliable.
• High-Resolution CT Scan – Its scan is clearer and is the standard in detecting lung fibrosis.
• Pulmonary Function Tests – lung volumes and abnormal gas exchange are discovered, and dysfunction is measured with lung capacity and lung function.
• Blood Tests – Assists in eliminating other possible causes and determining whether the patient has autoimmune illnesses.
• Lung Biopsy – A minute biopsy of the lung is subjected to microscopic examination in confirmation of the diagnosis.

The diagnosis required to manage the disease is very critical at an early stage, which will enhance quality of life.

Therapies for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Medications

• Antifibrotic Drugs – These are the drugs that are accepted in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other diseases that are progressive in their fibrosing nature in the interstitial space. They act by inhibiting the process of scarring of the lungs and maintaining the lung’s functional ability.
• Possible side effects – Gastrointestinal symptoms, skin sensitivity, and appetite, which are usually corrected with dosage.
• Immunosuppressant or Anti-inflammatory medicines – Applied in instances where pulmonary fibrosis has been implicated in autoimmune diseases.
• Antalgics/symptomatic/idiopathic – Drugs, medications, and other preparations used based on associated conditions.

Management of the symptoms could be done with the treatment of underlying conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or abscess infections to avoid complications after knowing what is Fibrosis of the Lungs.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program consisting of exercise activities, educational classes, and breathing patterns to help the patient increase their physical condition and address the symptoms. Benefits include –

• Improved exercise capacity
• Reduced breathlessness
• Enhanced quality of life

Oxygen Therapy

Additional oxygen can be prescribed in case there is low blood oxygen. Oxygen therapy has the ability –

• Reduce breathlessness
• Improve sleep and activity levels
• Decrease strain on the heart

Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation might be an alternative in patients at widely advanced stages of disease not responding to other forms of therapy. It is a complicated process with high risks attached to it, and it can only be done for very few people.

Supportive Care

Supportive care will incorporate the facilitation of symptoms, psychological care, and palliative care. This can comprise –

• Nutritional support
• Support groups and Counseling
• Immunisations against respiratory infections

Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment at Sai Hospital

At Sai Hospital, the care of people with lung fibrosis is provided to the citizens of the city of Haldwani and the adjoining area. Among the services the hospital provides are –

• Specialist assessment and diagnosis with the aid of sophisticated scans and breath tests
• Personalized treatment, such as antifibrotic drug treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen use
• Continued supervision and assistance to enable patients to live with the symptoms and a decent quality of life

It is important to recognize the early signs of the disease and intervene to prevent its progression to improve outcomes. In case you or someone you love has frequent difficulty breathing or an uncontrollable cough, or other signs of lung disease, visit the experts at Sai Hospital to evaluate possible reasons and provide individual care.

Conclusion

What is Fibrosis of the Lungs? Pulmonary fibrosis or fibrosis of the lungs is one such deadly and life-changing disease that demands early diagnosis and proper planning. Although no cure exists, developments in treatment have enabled slowing the progression of the disease, treatment of symptoms, and improvement of quality of life among various patients. Someone with pulmonary fibrosis is able to live more actively and fully with proper medical help, changes in lifestyle, and active community resources.

Are you worried about the quality of your lungs, or do you know little about pulmonary fibrosis treatment in Haldwani? Contact Sai Hospital and receive honest answers and professional advice in one of the best facilities.