Diseases such as pneumonia and sclerosis (or at least their names) are known to most people. But today quite often you can hear the diagnosis of "pneumosclerosis". What is it and how is this disease treated? Looking into this issue.
Scientific definition
According to information published in reference books, pneumosclerosis is a disease characterized by the fact that an inflammatory or dystrophic process in lung tissues leads to the replacement of typical lung tissue with connective tissue. This process is pathological. But this is not all that is hidden behind the definition of "pneumosclerosis". What is it in terms of influence on the body? In fact, the development of this disease leads to the fact that the body does not receive enough oxygen, because the bronchi begin to thicken, change shape, and the lung tissues lose their elasticity. The deeper the process affected the organs, the more gas exchange in the affected tissues is disturbed. As a result, the lungs become significantly smaller, as if wrinkled.
Pneumosclerosis: what is it, or typesdiseases
This pathology can proceed in different ways. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should know that the following information about the disease is important:
- prevalence of the process;
- localization;
- factor that provoked the development of the disease.
Doctors unequivocally speak of such a disease as pneumosclerosis, that this is a phenomenon that requires extremely careful diagnosis. Only in this case can a favorable outcome be promised.
So, local (in other words, limited, focal) pneumosclerosis can be called relatively harmless. It is clear that in this case, not the entire organ is affected, but only part of it, which does not have such a noticeable effect on the general condition of the patient. The situation is much more complicated with the diffuse variety. This means that either one lung is completely affected, or both. The ventilation process is already seriously impaired.
It is very important for doctors and what lung structures are predominantly affected. In accordance with this, experts say, describing pneumosclerosis, that this is such a phenomenon that can be:
- peribronchial;
- alveolar;
- interstitial,
- perilobular;
- perivascular.
This pathology can be caused by various reasons: frequent colds, pneumonia, chronic inhalation of toxic substances, tuberculosis, mechanical damage to the lungs, exposure to radiation, etc.
Pneumosclerosis: treatment possible?
Definitely cure this diseasecan. The key to success is timely diagnosis. To do this, the doctor, if suspected of pneumosclerosis, may prescribe a study on a tomograph, bronchography, x-ray.
Note that with this disease, the word "emphysema" can be found in the card. Pneumosclerosis is often accompanied by this phenomenon. You should not assume that these are two completely different processes, they are interconnected, and a competent doctor will be able to eliminate their manifestations.
As a rule, in order to save the patient from pneumosclerosis, treatment with antibiotics, mucolytics, potassium preparations, glycosides and other drugs is prescribed. Hardening of the body is very important. It must be understood that only the doctor chooses the tactics of treatment! An antibiotic or bronchoalveolar lavage is not always a panacea! Therefore, as soon as violations in well-being are detected, you should immediately go to a doctor who will help you forget about this disease!
