What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary Fibrosis involves scarring of the lung, which results in the replacement of the air-sacs (alveoli) of the lungs by fibrotic tissue. When this happens, there is usually an irreversible loss of the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath,
• Chronic cough,
• Fatigue,
• Loss of appetite, and
• Unexplained, sudden loss of weight.

What causes Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is often thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It imay also be caused by a viral infection. A genetic mutation in the SP-C protein has also been almost always found to exist in those having a family history of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis is also thought to be caused by the following:

• Exposure to environmental pollutants,
• Exposure to occupational pollutants,
• Diseases such as:
  • Scleroderma,
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis,
  • Lupus, and
  • Sarcoidosis.
• Asbestosis and Silicosis,
• Cigarette Smoking, and
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment:

Curently there is no effective treatment for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Supplemental oxygen therapy usually helps improve the quality of life, the physical endurance level, and the exercise capacity. In some cases, lung transplantation may also be considered.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Prognosis:

The prognosis for Pulmonary Fibrosis varies vastly. Most patients suffering from this incurable lung disorder usually get worse over time. On average, most patients live no longer than 4 to 6 years after being diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. There are, of course, some exceptions.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment News, and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Pulmonary Fibrosis Articles.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.