- 1. BY BROOKE WINGFIELD Pulmonary Fibrosis
2. Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes
inflammation, scarring, thickening and stiffening of the lungs
tissues.
- Affects 5,000,000 people worldwide
- Usually occurs most often in people between the ages of 50
70
- Commonly referred to as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
(idiopathic meaning no cause can be found)
3. Diagnosing Pulmonary Fibrosis
- A series of tests will be performed to confirm diagnosis:
- Tests for connective tissue diseases such as Rheumatoid
Arthritis and Scleroderma
4. Diagnosing Pulmonary Fibrosis
5. Diagnosing Pulmonary Fibrosis
6. What is the cause?
7. Symptoms
- Decreased tolerance for activity
8. Patient Assessment
- Abnormal breath sounds on auscultation Crackles (especially in
the lower lung fields)
- Cyanosisaround the mouth or fingernails (in advanced
stages)
9. Possible Complications
10. Treatment
- No known cure exists for Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Medications such as corticosteroids reduce swelling and
inflammation
- Lung Transplant in advanced stages
- Rehabilitation and Education programs
11. Research
- Research on medications is currently being performed:
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- Acetylcysteine may prevent further damage to the lungs
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- Interferon gamma-1b- manmade version of a substance that your
body normally produces to help fight infections
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- Pirfenidone may reduce scarring
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- Colchicine may slow scarring process
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- Penicillamine may improve lung function
12. References
- American Association of Respiratory Carewww.aarc.org
- Net Wellnesswww.netwellness.org
- American Lung Associationwww.lungusa.org
- Mayo Clinicwww.mayoclinic.com
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutewww.nhbi.gov
- www.Pulmonaryfibrosis.org
- www.kentslungtransplant.com