Pulmonary Fibrosis (obstructive/restrictive)

Question 1

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 1

A restrictive progressive disease caused by inflammation and scaring of the lungs. the build up of scaring and inflammation is the fibrosis and leads to reduced gas exchange.

Question 2

What is another name for pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 2

Crypto genie fibrosis alveolitis or usual interstitial pneumonia.

Question 3

What are the causes of pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 3

Causes are idiopathic (unknown), but men are More likely to have it then women, and more likely to affect the elderly.
More common in smokers, or occupations like woodworks,metal,textiles or stone due to the inhalation of particles.
People with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease/ GORD which cause heart burn.
Some genetics links

Question 4

What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 4

Severe breathlessness,
constant cough (not very productive)
Feeling tired all the time,
Clubbing of finger and toes,

Question 5

What is the life expectancy for someone who is diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 5

3 year life expectancy form diagnosis.

Question 6

How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?

Answer 6

Clinical signs include:
Breathlessness at rest and on excretion,
Persistent cough,
Clubbing,

Spirometry
Bronchoscopy- looking at lung tissue
Chest x-ray and CT (showing white more dense tissue)

Question 7

How is pulmonary fibrosis treated?

Answer 7

Trends not to use inhalers as they use it all the time and truer are side affects.
O2 therapy,
Pulmonary rehabilitation,
Sedatives and morphine for help with breathlessness,
Treatment for heartburn and nose blocks.

Question 8

What drug medications can be given and what are the sideffects ?

Answer 8

Pirfenidone= a capsule that is taken to slow down the inflammation and build up of scar tissue.

Side affects include= skin reactions, nauseas, tiredness, indigestion.

nintedanib= reduces rate of flare ups and scaring
Side affects include= abdominal pain, decreased appetite, haemorrhage, nauseas, vomiting, decreased weight

Question 9

How can alienate help themselves?

Answer 9

Stop smoking, early flu jab, avoid people with chest infections and colds, stay fit and active, balanced diet,
Seal help from British lung foundation.