Overview
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition that causes the scarring and thickening of the tissue surrounding the air sacs in your lungs, making it more difficult for oxygen to enter your bloodstream. Over time, lung scarring worsens and impairs the respiratory system, leading to breathing problems and excessive fatigue.
This disease can occur due to several causes, but when the cause cannot be determined, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, but several treatment options can help manage the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Aching or stiff muscles and joints
- Wide and round fingertips
- Constant coughing and shortness of breath
What are the risk factors of pulmonary fibrosis?
Possible risk factors of this condition include:
– Age and gender (the condition is more common in men and older adults)
– Long-term exposure to toxins and pollutants
– Disorders, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma, and Pneumonia)
– Chemotherapy medications or radiation therapy to the chest
– Family history
– Smoking
What are the stages of pulmonary fibrosis?
There are four stages of pulmonary fibrosis: mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. The severity of a patient’s symptoms and their lung capacity determine their disease stage.
How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?
During your consultation, our pulmonologist will go over your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope while you breathe to detect any abnormal sounds.
The doctor may request imaging tests, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, to rule out other illnesses that may be causing your symptoms and may also perform pulmonary function tests to assess lung function and capacity using different devices.
How is pulmonary fibrosis treated?
The doctor will assess the severity of your ailment to determine the best treatment option for you. The scarring in the lungs caused by pulmonary fibrosis cannot be reversed, but some treatment options may temporarily relieve symptoms or halt the progression of the condition, including:
- Lifestyle changes: The doctor will recommend that you quit smoking, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get the rest you need to improve your overall health.
- Medications: prescribed medications such as pirfenidone (Esbriet) and nintedanib (Ofev), can help slow down pulmonary fibrosis.
- Oxygen therapy: This treatment involves inhaling oxygen through a mask inserted into your nose to increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, allowing you to be more active and improve shortness of breath.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs: These programs can help you learn exercises to better manage your symptoms and improve your breathing.
Schedule your appointment at Novomed today!
If you are experiencing shortness of breath or other breathing problems related with Pulmonary Fibrosis, make an appointment with our expert pulmonologist in Dubai to learn more about your condition and treatment options.
Book your consultation today by calling toll-free 8006686 or clicking the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen.
