Lung Fibrosis

Also known as interstitial lung disease or ILD, lung fibrosis occurs when lungs become damaged and scarred, resulting in difficult breathing. With the right treatment, lung fibrosis progression may be slowed, though it cannot be cured.

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What is lung fibrosis?

Lung fibrosis is a lung condition that causes the lungs to become scarred over time, with the level of scarring worsening gradually over time.  There are many different types of lung fibrosis and the onset will depend on the type.  Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is most common in individuals around the age of 70-75, with very few cases occurring in individuals under the age of 50.  Other types may present at a younger age.

As the air sacs in the lung become more damaged and scarred, this slowly causes the lungs to become stiff. The result of this increasing scar tissue is that it is more and more difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream, which affects the breathing and health of the person with Lung Fibrosis.

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Symptoms of lung fibrosis

As the onset of Lung Fibrosis is often gradual, it can be difficult to spot this condition when in its earlier stages. Some of the symptoms that may become apparent over time include:

  • Shortness of breath from day-to-day activities
  • A dry, persistent cough
  • Constant tiredness and fatigue
  • A loss of appetite, leading to weight loss
  • Clubbed fingers
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As this condition mainly affects older people, breathlessness is often mistaken for being older and out of shape. As lung fibrosis progresses, this shortness of breath will become worse, making simple activities like cooking or getting dressed a challenge.

Causes of lung fibrosis

Idiopathic lung fibrosis, is considered idiopathic disease and we currently don't have insight into exactly what causes IPF.  However, other forms of fibrosis are linked to other rheumatological conditions and their treatments, environmental exposures (such as animals, mould, industrial dusts and soldering), genetic family history of the condition, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and smoking.

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Treatments and investigations

If a medical professional suspects you have lung fibrosis, they will carry out several tests for diagnosis. This includes a CT scan and full lung function testing to examine the functionality of the lungs and to spot any scar tissue. A bronchoscopy may also be required and a biopsy may also be carried out for confirmation, although this is not always necessary. 

As an incurable condition, all treatment for lung fibrosis is designed to slow progression and improve comfort. You may be advised to stop smoking and improve your lifestyle for better health. You may also be provided with oxygen to use at home and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve your breathing. Certain medications may be prescribed to reduce scarring. In severe cases a lung transplant may be a viable treatment for lung fibrosis.

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