Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that manifests itself in the formation of scar-type tissue in the lungs, which disrupts the function of breathing. It reduces the elasticity of the organ, which makes it more difficult for oxygen to pass through the alveoli, in which air contacts the blood. And unfortunately, the reverse process of regeneration of connective tissue into the lungs is not possible.
What causes fibrosis? What symptoms indicate its presence? What to do if the diagnosis is confirmed? This is what we will talk about now.
Reasons
As a rule, pulmonary fibrosis occurs as a complication after infectious or colds. In some cases, external factors may play a role. The list of provoking factors is as follows:
- Tuberculosis.
- Complications after SARS and flu.
- Pneumonia.
- Sclera atrophy.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Infectious liver disease (usually hepatitis or cirrhosis).
- Lupus.
- Genetic predisposition to cancer.
- Polluted environment. For example, the content in the air of asbestos dust, heavy metals, emissions from heating plastic, crumbs of lead and zinc.
- Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse.
- Chemotherapy and enhanced antibiotic treatment.
But sometimes pulmonary fibrosis occurs for no reason. What is it in this case? This phenomenon is called the disease of the idiopathic form. Such cases are studied especially carefully, and the patient has to undergo a complete diagnosis so that specialists can at least detect the prerequisites. Because treating a disease without identifying its cause is inappropriate.
Fibrosis of the lungs - cancer or not?
Many people ask this question. The fact that fibrosis is cancer is actually a misconception. Yes, scarring on the lungs is a pathology. He althy tissue is replaced by connective tissue due to increased collagen production. The process develops, and eventually a rough scar is formed.
But! The connective tissue in this disease extends only up to a certain limit. It does not give screenings and does not cause the manifestation of foci in other organs. So fibrosis can't be cancer.
Initial stage
Talking about what it is - pulmonary fibrosis, and how to treat this disease, it is necessary to consider the symptoms that indicate its presence.
The initial stage usually proceeds without any manifestations. This significantly complicates early diagnosis, and therefore it is impossible to start timely treatment.
Shortness of breath should alert a person,which appears at the time of exercise. The problem is that not everyone pays attention to it. Yes, and shortness of breath is a common symptom among other diseases that are not associated with the lungs.
Therefore, every person is recommended to undergo fluorography once a year, which helps to detect signs of this disease.
Early manifestations
Depending on the cause of pulmonary fibrosis and the extent of its distribution, the symptoms vary in severity. As a rule, the disease manifests itself in the following signs:
- Dry cough. Later, purulent sputum appears.
- Paleness of mucous membranes and skin. In the worst cases, cyanosis (blueness) occurs.
- Shortness of breath that occurs even with minor exertion. In the worst cases, after waking up.
- Severe chest pains.
- Difficulty breathing, heavy wheezing.
- Weakness, headaches and dizziness. This occurs due to a lack of respiratory activity and a lack of oxygen in the blood.
- Frequent occurrence of colds. Sometimes as severe as emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Swelling of the nail phalanges on the hands.
- Sweating.
In especially severe cases, the development of heart failure begins.
Types of diseases
Since we are talking about what it is - pulmonary fibrosis, how to treat this disease, and what symptoms indicate its presence, it should also be noted that there isseveral types of illness. Namely:
- Interstitial. The reason for its development is the impact of negative external factors.
- Perilobular. Connective tissue appears against the lobular ridges.
- Perivascular. It is characterized by the localization of the connective tissue around the inflamed vessels.
- Alveolar. Manifested in the thickening of the alveolar membrane.
- Peribronchial. Forms on tissues near the bronchi.
What type of disease affected the lungs of a person will be determined during the diagnosis. The doctor will also tell you what form of the disease he has. There are only two of them, and each will now be briefly discussed.
Local form
As already mentioned, the symptoms of the disease, regardless of its type, are almost identical. But focal pulmonary fibrosis has been overlooked for the longest time. For months, or even years, he may not manifest himself in any way. All because of its local size.
But over time, the foci grow more and more. Quite often they are combined with each other into complexes of connective tissue. And when this happens, focal pulmonary fibrosis makes itself felt - all of the above symptoms begin to appear.
This is a dangerous form of the disease. Long-term ignorance of the disease often leads to pneumocirrhosis - a condition when the lung is completely replaced by connective tissue. In this state, of course, it turns out to be completely incapable of ensuring the circulation of oxygen in the body. Therefore, in order todo not bring this, you must immediately begin treatment of focal pulmonary fibrosis.
It is important to note that most often this form of the disease occurs due to sarcoidosis, which manifests itself in the formation of nodular formations (granulomas).
Diffuse shape
This disease is also called total pulmonary fibrosis. It is characterized by uniform tissue involvement by the pathological process.
People diagnosed with this disease rarely have a good prognosis. Patients with focal pulmonary fibrosis (linear or otherwise) are more likely. Because with a diffuse disease, the symptoms develop rapidly, and you need to act quickly.
Diagnosis
First of all, the pulmonologist will ask the patient if he has shortness of breath, general weakness, persistent cough and asymptomatic weight loss.
Then asks when the person noticed the first symptoms and whether there was an increase in their intensity. Also, the doctor will definitely ask if the patient had pneumonia, tuberculosis, systemic scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis.
To establish an accurate diagnosis, a pulmonologist must conduct instrumental and laboratory tests:
- Listening to the lungs (auscultation).
- Tapping (percussion).
- Detection of lung volume and level of respiratory function (spirography).
- X-ray. It helps to detect if there are changes in the tissues of the lungs.
- MRI or CTtopography. Using this method, it is possible to reveal the details of pathological changes and study their nature.
- Biopsy. Histological examination helps to confirm or exclude the presence of cancer cells and to examine the condition of the lungs in detail.
After that, the doctor will be able to give competent advice to the patient and prescribe an adequate, effective therapy.
You need to remember that diagnosis takes time, and it is very valuable when it comes to such a serious disease. Therefore, you need to go to the doctor at the slightest manifestation of the disease.
Treatment
Fibrosis of the roots of the lungs cannot be cured. As mentioned earlier, connective tissue is not able to regenerate back into a he althy one. However, it is possible to improve the quality of human life.
Therapy is prescribed by a highly qualified pulmonologist after a full examination. With severe disease, immunosuppressants, cytostatics and glucocorticoids help to cope.
Also, since the lungs affected by fibrosis are a good environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms and inflammation, it is necessary to drink antibacterial drugs. Cardiac glycosides and oxygen inhalations also help.
If a patient with pulmonary fibrosis suffers from severe cough and shortness of breath, then you will have to take bronchodilator drugs.
But one drug treatment in the case of this pathology will not work. The therapy is supported by respiratory therapeutic exercises and oxygen therapy.
KUnfortunately, to date, there are no specific methods of treatment. The pathological process is irreversible, but the task of the doctor is to prevent its progression and the addition of any infection.
Operation
Continuing to talk about the prognosis, symptoms and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, it should be noted that in especially severe cases, transplantation is indispensable. Of course, organ transplant surgery is not suitable for everyone, as many patients are older than the upper limit for its implementation. In addition, it is indicated only for total fibrosis.
The operation is performed to replace one or both lungs at once - in the event that they are not able to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide.
There are a number of contraindications. These, in addition to age, include:
- Current infections.
- Hepatitis and HIV.
- Cancer (current or past).
- Diseases of the kidneys, heart and liver of a chronic nature.
To get a transplant referral, a person will have to undergo a series of tests to give a full assessment of their general he alth and determine if they are suitable for a transplant.
Diet and routine
A person with pulmonary fibrosis will have to completely rethink their lifestyle if they really want to prolong it. Here's what to learn:
- Drugs taken to treat a disease lower the immune system. Therefore, you will have to undergo annual flu vaccinations and every 5years - against pneumococcus.
- With an increase in temperature and deterioration of the condition, bed rest is indicated. You need to follow it until you feel better.
- It is necessary to provide a constant supply of fresh air to the room where a person spends time. And take regular walks.
What about diet? The diet for this disease is aimed at accelerating oxidative and immunobiological processes in the body, improving hematopoiesis and the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reducing protein loss and increasing repair in the lungs.
As a rule, doctors prescribe diet No. 15 or No. 11. If we talk about general recommendations, it is necessary to include foods with a high content of ascorbic and folic acids, copper, potassium, calcium, vitamins A and B.
Eat often, but in small portions. You will also have to give up table s alt, as it retains fluid.
Forecast
Unfortunately, with pulmonary fibrosis, life expectancy cannot be the same as that of a completely he althy person. After all, this disease causes respiratory failure. And this provokes irreversible pathological changes that affect the quality of life.
Out of 10 patients, 2 are diagnosed with an acute form of the disease. With it, life expectancy is about 1 year, during which the human condition worsens. He has severe breathing problems, he can lose 15-20 kilograms in a couple of months.
Persistent fibrosis (chronic,flowing stubbornly) does not develop so quickly. With it, life expectancy is about 5 years.
The best prognosis is for patients with slowly progressive disease. In this case, life expectancy reaches 10 years.
However, these figures can hardly be called objective. It all depends on the neglect of the case, the effectiveness of the treatment, the patient's compliance with the recommendations.
