Pulmonary Fibrosis End Stages

Pulmonary Fibrosis End Stages

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the continual, excessive
accumulation of fibroid tissue in the lungs. The obstruction
associated with this fibroid tissue contributes to a number of
pulmonary ailments and general lung debilitation. The disease
itself is often referred to as "lung scarring." Fibrosis of the lung
has a number of known causes but is also idiopathic in many
cases.

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Symptoms of End Stage Lung Fibrosis
Those who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis experience symptoms similar to a
prolonged respiratory infection. Early onset of the disease is generally
asymptomatic. Later stages of lung fibrosis are marked by:
-The continual presence of a hacking, sputum-free cough.
-An inability to catch one's breath. Exertion increases this symptom.
-Chronic fatigue and general muscle weakness.
-Significant weight loss over a short period.
-No appetite.
-Severe chest discomfort.



A reliable diagnosis of end stage lung scarring is associated with
chronic shortness of breath, subtle crackling overheard during
stethoscope examination and x-ray or CT imaging. CT scans are
preferable to x-rays when diagnosing end stage lung fibrosis.



What Causes Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Much of the fibroid activity associated with lung scarring is due to interstitial
lung diseases. Fibroid growth following these illnesses is generally acute, may
exacerbate with time and is otherwise not chronic. Infections caused by
viruses, lung damage caused by airborne particles or autoimmune diseases
are often implicated in fibrosis activity. Idiopathic fibrosis occurs when there is
no known cause of the fibroid growths. Research into the genetic
predisposition of lung fibrosis will continue to provide evidence concerning
idiopathic causation.



Factors which contribute to the likelihood of developing lung fibrosis include:
-Cigarette smoking, which also increases the progression of fibrosis.
-Pneumonitis caused by the inhalation of organic particulates, such as mold or
bacteria.
-Asbestos, silicate or other environmental pollutant exposure.
-A previous history of rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.
-A previous history of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
-The diagnosis of similar connective tissue diseases.
-Exposure of the chest to radiation.



Disease Progression
Pulmonary fibrosis causes degeneration of lung tissue and
breathing quality when fibrous tissue replaces healthy lung
tissue. The disease progresses when this replacement happens
continually. Chronic exposure to the above factors is most
typically associated with heightened pathogenesis.



As lung fibrosis advances into advanced stages, patients will
experience continual shortness of breath. This symptom is due to
the lack of lung tissue available for oxygen diffusion and
respiration. Lung scarring also reduces the expansion capacity of
the lungs, which restricts air flow and further limits breathing
ability.



Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis
The range of treatment options used to combat lung fibrosis is slim.
Idiopathic fibrosis is often not treatable. Idiopathic lung fibrosis will
progress into later stages with little possibility of remission. In these
instances the only option is full lung replacement. Non-idiopathic lung
scarring may respond to immune system suppressant treatments, such
as corticosteriods.



For more information on Pulmonary
Fibrosis, visit our website at

Pulmonary Fibrosis End Stages

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Pulmonary Fibrosis End Stages