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:

Bronchoscopy

Tests for connective tissue diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Scleroderma

Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Pulmonary Function Tests

4. Diagnosing Pulmonary Fibrosis

Chest X-Ray

5. Diagnosing Pulmonary Fibrosis

Lung Biopsy

6. What is the cause?

Workplace

Medications

Genetic

Cigarette Smoking

Drug Use

7. Symptoms

Occasional Chest Pain

Rapid Weight Loss

Fatigue and Weakness

Chest Discomfort

Loss of Appetite

Cough (usually dry)

Shortness of Breath

Dyspnea on Exertion

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)

Digital Clubbing

9. Possible Complications

Chronic Hypoxemia

Cor Pulmonale

Polycythemia

Pulmonary Hypertension

Respiratory Failure

10. Treatment

No known cure exists for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Medications such as corticosteroids reduce swelling and inflammation

OXYGEN

Lung Transplant in advanced stages

Rehabilitation and Education programs

11. Research

Research on medications is currently being performed:

• • Acetylcysteine may prevent further damage to the lungs

• • Interferon gamma-1b- manmade version of a substance that your body normally produces to help fight infections

• • Pirfenidone may reduce scarring

• • Colchicine may slow scarring process

• • 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

www.answers.com

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutewww.nhbi.gov

www.Pulmonaryfibrosis.org

www.emedicine.com

www.american-depot.com

www.kentslungtransplant.com