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Lung fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis) Matenga whakamōtī pūkahukahu
Lung fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis) is a condition in which hard scar tissue forms in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. The scar tissue forms around the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, making them stiff.
Causes of lung fibrosis
Lung fibrosis may be caused by breathing in substances such as:
- grain dust
- mined silica, a common component of glass (sand is not harmful)
- asbestos
- bird droppings.
Other causes include:
- radiation treatment
- certain medicines such as nitrofurantoin and amiodarone
- sarcoidosis
- rheumatoid arthritis.
Sometimes there is no obvious cause. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
People who have worked in farming, mining or construction are particularly at risk. So are people who smoke.
Symptoms of lung fibrosis
Symptoms of lung fibrosis include:
- a dry cough
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- losing weight without trying.
Diagnosing lung fibrosis
If you are worried that you may have lung fibrosis, speak to your healthcare provider. They will examine you. They may order tests such as a chest x-ray and blood tests.
They may also arrange a spirometry test. This tests how well your lungs are working. You may need to see a specialist at the hospital. They may arrange for you to have a CT scan or bronchoscopy.
Self care for lung fibrosis
If you have been diagnosed with lung fibrosis, it is important to:
- quit smoking if you smoke
- get a flu vaccine every year
- practice relaxation techniques
- eat well — you may find it easier to have smaller meals more often during the day
- avoid things that can irritate your lungs such as dust, car exhaust, fumes — they can make your symptoms worse
- try to stay physically active as this can help your lung function, improve mood and manage stress
- take time to rest — this can help you have more energy and cope with the stress of your condition.
Treating lung fibrosis
Your treatment will depend on what has caused your lung fibrosis.
If it has been caused by something you have breathed in, it is important to stop this from happening.
If the cause is related to your workplace, your healthcare provider may need to involve ACC and WorkSafe.
In some cases, there are treatments that may slow down its progress or ease your symptoms. These include:
- oral steroids (prednisone)
- medicines that suppress your immune system (immunosuppressants).
For many people, lung fibrosis gets worse and cannot be reversed. Be open with your healthcare provider about how you feel so that they can help.