4. Rapid weight loss
Another sign that could indicate the presence of pulmonary fibrosis is rapid weight loss. Most chronic lung conditions cause unexplained loss of weight actually. Tuberculosis patients tend to lose weight without any changes to their diet and exercise plan. Even patients who suffer from pulmonary sarcoidosis tend to shed their pounds without rhyme or reason.
Pulmonary fibrosis is no exception to this. That being said, counteracting the weight loss is possible by eating large quantities of nutritious foods and sticking to the exercise program that your doctor recommends.
Some patients who were obese at the time of their pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis actually returned to a safe and normal body weight due to the condition as it made it easier for them to lose the weight required. This significantly increased their lifespan as it reduced the odds of other complications such as aortic dissection from occurring.