What Are The Causes And Treatment For Pulmonary Fibrosis? - Dr. Tarun Kumar Baid

Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-long and progressive lung disease that severely impacts the respiratory system. This condition thickens and causes scars to the lung tissues which makes it harder to breathe. Some common symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis that you should never ignore are dry cough, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue. If these symptoms persist for a longer period then without any delay you must book an appointment with an experienced lung specialist in Siliguri.

Prompt treatment for this condition is essential because if the disease progresses to an advanced stage then it can cause distressing complications including severe breathing difficulties, clubbing of toes or fingertips, and cyanosis. Herein, the doctor will evaluate the symptoms through a physical examination and assess your medical history to determine the best treatment option for the condition. The doctor may also look for abnormal breathing sounds through a stethoscope to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis.

Common Causes Of Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Smoking
  One of the main causes of pulmonary fibrosis is cigarette smoking. Smoking can increase mucus production and make your lungs inflamed which may lead to the development of this condition. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis then smoking can make the symptoms even worse while increasing the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
• Radiation Treatments
  In some cases, people receiving radiation treatments for breast or lung cancer can also develop pulmonary fibrosis. You can even experience certain painful symptoms of lung scarring even after several years of getting the treatment. However, the severity of the damage highly depends upon the amount of radiation, exposed areas of the lungs, and the usage of chemotherapy.
• Certain Work and Surroundings
  You must schedule an appointment with an experienced pulmonologist in Siliguri if your work and surroundings involve exposure to any pollutants or toxins. This is because certain environmental substances can damage your lungs and cause pulmonary fibrosis. Some such substances include hard metal dust, silica dust, asbestos fibres, and coal or wood dust.
• Medical Conditions
  Lung damage triggering the chances of pulmonary fibrosis can be developed due to various underlying medical conditions. Lupus, dermatomyositis, pneumonia, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease are some of the conditions that can be associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
• Medicines
  Various medications can cause significant damage to the lungs and lead to pulmonary fibrosis. Some medications that can contribute to higher chances of the disease are anti-inflammatory, heart, chemotherapy, and antibiotic medications.

Treatment Options To Manage The Symptoms

1. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
   One of the most effective treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis is pulmonary rehabilitation as it helps in improving the associated symptoms. Breathing techniques, physical exercise, emotional counseling, nutritional counseling, and education are the essential elements included in the rehabilitation program.
2. Medications
   Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis that can be treated effectively with medications. There are various approved medications available for this condition that can slow down lung damage. However, before taking the medications you must ask the doctor about the possible side effects as some drugs can cause nausea, skin rash, and loss of appetite.
3. Oxygen Therapy
   Pulmonary fibrosis causes severe lung scarring that can make breathing too difficult. In such cases, the doctor may recommend supplemental oxygen which can make breathing easier and prevent excessive straining in the heart. This treatment doesn’t stop lung damage but can improve overall well-being while lessening the complications associated with low levels of oxygen.
4. Mechanical Ventilation
   In some severe cases of pulmonary fibrosis, you may experience acute exacerbation. To manage such serious conditions, the doctor might recommend mechanical ventilation in a hospital setting. A tube guided through the lungs is inserted in this treatment which helps the patient to breathe. Herein, various medications can also be provided to control the symptoms.
5. Lung Transplant
   Another effective treatment option often adopted in serious cases of pulmonary fibrosis is lung transplant. This treatment can help you live longer while enjoying improved life quality. However, some cases of lung transplants may not be successful for you due to infection and organ rejection.

Before recommending any of these treatment options, the lung specialist in Siliguri will review your condition thoroughly with the help of blood, imaging, tissue samples, and lung function tests. CT scan, pulse oximetry, spirometry, and surgical biopsy are some of the most effective tests included during the diagnosis stage.