Pulmonary Fibrosis

Question 1

What is PF?

Answer 1

• Idiopathic
• A restrictive disease caused by recurrent inflammation
• Leads to scarring in the lungs
• It is PROGRESSIVE
• Results in reduced gas exchange (due to fibrosed lung tissue)

Question 2

Symptoms of PF

Answer 2

• Breathlessness (even without exertion)
• A constant cough (not productive)
• Fatigue (reduced gas exchange = reduced o2)
• Clubbing of fingers and toes (low o2)
• NOT INFECTIOUS

Question 3

Diagnosis

Answer 3

• Detailed patient history
• Clinical signs - breathlessness, persistent cough, clubbing
• Spirometry - restrictive pattern
• Bronchoscopy - to look at lung tissue
• CXR

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

• o2 Therapy (poor gas exchange)
• Pulmonary rehab (to manage breathlessness, improve exercise tolerance) - Exercise, education, diet, lifestyle mods
• Meds - morphine (helps with breathlessness)
• Lung transplant (rare)