Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease in which irreversible loss of lung elasticity occurs due to various causes, leading to damage and hardening, gradually making breathing difficult and rapidly deteriorating quality of life. Although rare, it is a serious disease that rapidly deteriorates quality of life.
September is recognized worldwide as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month.
Pulmonary fibrosis affects not only the patient but also their family and close circle, so cooperation between the patient, physician, and family facilitates the diagnosis and treatment process. Awareness is important.
The most common symptoms are dry cough, shortness of breath with exertion, weakness, fatigue, and clubbing of the fingers. Diagnosis of the disease may be delayed because the symptoms can be confused with other diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important.
The most common type of the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Its incidence increases with age, especially in people over 60. It is more common in men than in women.
The most common causes of pulmonary fibrosis are smoking, environmental and occupational factors (prolonged exposure to bird or animal feathers, mold, chemical fumes, or dust), medications, connective tissue diseases, radiation therapy, genetic factors, viral infections, and reflux. The underlying cause may not always be found.
Diagnosis requires medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, detailed pulmonary function tests, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan, and rheumatologic blood tests. In some patients, lung biopsy and bronchoscopy may be necessary for differential diagnosis.
Currently, there is no definitive treatment for IPF other than lung transplantation.
However, methods that can be applied with early diagnosis can slow the course of the disease, prolong life, and improve quality of life. Antifibrotic drugs (Pirfenidone and Nintedanib), which have been used in IPF treatment in our country for the past 10 years and are reimbursable, are available. The use of these drugs slows lung fibrosis and disease progression, reduces hospital admissions and disease exacerbations, and prolongs life. Drug treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis in suitable patients.
In addition to medication, other steps in treatment include smoking cessation, oxygen therapy for patients who need it, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccination, and referral for lung transplantation.
In summary, it is important for patients with dry cough, exertional dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, and clubbing of the fingers to consult their nearest chest disease specialist and be referred for treatment.
Chest Disease Specialist
Prof. Dr. Berna AKINCI ÖZYÜREK