Pulmonary Fibrosis Interstitial Lung Disease

Pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease is included in a group of lung disorders that affect the lung tissue. These disorders are called interstitial lung diseases or ILD. Swelling and scarring of the air sacs occur causing fibrous tissue to form in the lungs making breathing difficult. The scarring is irreversible, but treatments may be able to stop progression of the disease.

Causes

• The exact cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, but certain factors may contribute including occupational or environmental exposure to toxins or pollutants. These would include inhaling asbestos, metal dust and certain chemicals such as chlorine or ammonia. Radiation treatment can scar lung tissue and cause fibrous tissue. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis can cause lung damage.

Symptoms

• Symptoms for pulmonary fibrosis lung disease include wheezing, dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, blue color to the lips or fingernails and an enlargement of your fingertips. These symptoms will become progressively worse with shortness of breath occurring even during daily routines such as getting dressed or cleaning the house.

Diagnosis

• Several disorders such as COPD, asthma and heart failure can mimic symptoms of interstitial lung diseases. Your doctor will need to rule out these diseases in order to confirm diagnosis. A chest x-ray will help to rule out other lung conditions. A high-resolution computerized tomography scan can reveal lung tissue in more detail than a regular CT scan. In a pulmonary function test you blow into an instrument called a spirometer. This device measures the flow of your lungs and how much air your lungs can hold. In a bronchoscopy a small flexible tube is passed through your throat down into your lung where it removes a lung tissue sample used for biopsy and can confirm diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment will depend on what is causing the lung damage. When damage is caused by environmental or occupational reasons, keeping yourself from becoming exposed to irritants may be all that is required. Corticosteroid medications can reduce inflammation in the lungs, but they have severe side effects. Immune suppressing drugs such as Imuran and Cytoxan may be prescribed alone or in combination with corticosteroids for treatment and may aid in lung function. Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy. This will not stop lung damage, but it can help you breathe easier.

Lifestyle Changes

• Stop smoking as this irritates the lung tissue even more. Ask your doctor about ways to quit. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Discuss with your doctor where to enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. These programs focus on how to manage shortness of breath with breathing exercises and how to go about your day to day routine normally.