What is pulmonary fibrosis (lung solidification)?

WHY DOES PULMONARY FIBROSIS OCCUR?
Pulmonary fibrosis can develop due to many different diseases involving the lung tissue.
Sarcoidosis, rheumatic/autoimmune diseases are specific diseases that can cause fibrosis.
In addition, drugs, radiation therapy, some biological/chemical in the occupational or environmental environment.
Contact with substances or dusts are among the other common causes of fibrosis. cause fibrosis
If there is no disease or exposure, this is fibrosis of unknown cause.
It is called “idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis” (IPF). IPF is more common in advanced age,
It is a unique disease. For unknown reasons, a damage to the lung tissue begins,
This damage turns into fibrosis with a number of molecular mechanisms and ultimately the lung
texture solidifies.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS?
Pulmonary fibrosis is usually an insidious disease. No early symptoms
may not give. Dry cough and shortness of breath begin over time. Shortness of breath severe at first
While the disease occurs with exertion, as the disease progresses, it becomes worse during daily activities and in the last period.
even at rest. In addition, fatigue, weakness, weight loss and hand/foot
Complaints of clubbing can be seen in the fingers.
HOW IS PULMONARY FIBROSIS DIAGNOSED?
For the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, taking a comprehensive disease history and
systems require detailed inspection. Then chest X-ray, computed tomography,
Further examinations such as pulmonary function test are performed. Computed tomography fibrosis diagnosis
plays a very important role. Other fibrosis for the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) of unknown origin
All causes should be investigated and ruled out. To rule out rheumatic diseases
blood tests should be done. Computed tomography findings not typical for IPF
biopsy for definitive diagnosis in patients (through bronchoscopy or surgical intervention)
may be required.
HOW IS PULMONARY FIBROSIS TREATED?
Pulmonary fibrosis treatment is performed for the underlying disease/cause. These diseases
most require long-term cortisone therapy. No specific cause for fibrosis
If the disease is not found, that is, if the disease is IPF, special fibrosis drugs that prevent solidification
available. Although these drugs do not correct the hardening that has occurred, they are a progressive disease.
It prevents the progression of IPF. In addition, existing complaints, especially cough,
Helps take control. Early diagnosis of the disease and early treatment
Getting started is very important. Things to do other than drug treatment; quitting smoking, if any
reflux treatment, lung rehabilitation, oxygen if respiratory failure developed
treatment and lung transplantation planning in necessary patients.