Lung fibrosis
It is scars and wounds in the lungs that make breathing more difficult over time. It is most common in the elderly between the ages of 70 and 75 years, and at the same time it is rare in people under the age of fifty.
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| What is dangerous lung cirrhosis, what are its symptoms, causes and how to treat it |
The direct cause of its occurrence is still unknown, and no definitive treatment has been found to stop it, but the current treatment is able to mitigate it and reduce its development.
Symptoms of lung fibrosis
Symptoms begin to develop and become more difficult over time, and their symptoms are:
- Breathing difficulty.
- Persistent, dry cough.
- Fingers and toes are swollen and round.
- Anorexia.
- weight loss.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- Difficulty doing light tasks such as getting dressed.
Causes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
People with lung cirrhosis have increased scarring and damage to their air sacs. This causes the lungs to harden and thicken, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood.
The reason for the occurrence of this fibrosis is unknown, but there are several factors on its appearance, namely:
- Harmful dust, such as metal and wood dust, enters the lungs.
- smoking.
- Viral infection.
- It turns out that every one of twenty people with lung fibrosis has a previous family history of this disease, so the genetic factor is considered to have a role in lung fibrosis.
Diagnosis of lung fibrosis
If you have a cough or difficulty breathing for more than 3 weeks, then you should see a doctor and do not neglect these symptoms because of their seriousness. The doctor may then refer you to the hospital if he suspects lung cirrhosis to conduct several tests to confirm and start treatment.
The examinations are:
- Lung function or breathing tests.
- blood tests.
- Chest X-ray.
- Lung biopsy, which is taking a small piece of lung tissue for analysis.
Lung fibrosis treatment
As for the treatment of idiopathic lung fibrosis, no definitive cure has been found. Rather, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and relieve its symptoms.
Treatments consist of personal care and medication at the same time.
First, personal care:
- Stop smoking immediately if you are a smoker.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly and maintaining a fit body.
- Stay away from people with colds and flu.
- Be sure to take the annual flu vaccination to avoid exposure to viral infections, especially if you have a lung disease.
Second, medicines:
There are two types of medications that help slow the progression of the disease at the same time and relieve symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, they are (Pirfenidone) and (Nintedanib).
Pirfenidone
The benefit of this medicine is to slow the development of scars and wounds in the lungs, and this is achieved by reducing the activity and functioning of the immune system.
3 pills are taken daily if the respiratory level is between 50% to 80% only, or if the patient's condition worsens and the respiratory level reaches 10% during the one year, then the drug is stopped immediately.
Pirfenidone side effects:
- Indigestion.
- Diarrhea.
- fatigue in general.
- feeling sick.
- A rash may appear after exposure to sunlight.
Nintedanib
This medicine is considered one of the new medicines that has been used to treat the lungs from fibrosis by slowing the progression of scars in them. Two pills are taken daily. Like the previous medicine, it should be used if the respiratory rate is between 50 to 80%, and if it decreases and reaches 10% or more. Within 12 months it will be suspended immediately.
Nintedanib side effects:
- Feeling tired and sick.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
acetylcysteine
This medicine is considered an antioxidant and is found in some healthy places in the form of tablets or pills.
It has been said to reduce the percentage of scar tissue in the lungs, but not enough information has been collected, so you should consult your doctor before taking it, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
Oxygen support
There will come periods when a patient with lung cirrhosis will need more oxygen, as the oxygen in the air is no longer sufficient for him, and its percentage in the blood decreases, and this makes him feel uncomfortable and tired. Then support oxygen cylinders are used to help you breathe and do your usual activities. These cylinders are either a mask that is placed on the head or nasal tubes.