{"id":9489,"date":"2019-08-09T07:22:29","date_gmt":"2019-08-09T07:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9489"},"modified":"2021-04-22T18:58:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T18:58:38","slug":"16-known-signs-of-pulmonary-fibrosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/16-known-signs-of-pulmonary-fibrosis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Known Signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious interstitial lung disease that results in scarring in the lungs. To date, there have been more than recorded, most originating from unknown causes. Most cases of pulmonary fibrosis develop once a person passes the age of 50, however, it can appear at any age. Several forms of lung disease may result in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and if lung disease runs in your family, you may be at a more considerable risk of developing the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As pulmonary fibrosis progresses, the lung tissue scarred which causes difficulty breathing among other side effects. When the cause of the disorder can\u2019t be identified, it is diagnosed as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by environmental factors, workplace toxins, medications, and even as a result of genetic disorders. A person may suffer from pulmonary fibrosis for years without exhibiting any external symptoms. As the scars worsen, signs of the disorder will become more noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary fibrosis is often misdiagnosed due to how closely the symptoms resemble other types of lung disease. The eight known signs of pulmonary fibrosis are below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most commonly reported symptoms of PF is weight loss<\/a>. When a patient is in the early stages of PF weight loss is not very noticeable. As the disease advances, weight loss becomes more noticeable. If you notice unexplainable weight loss despite maintaining your regular eating habits, PF may be to blame. This drop-in weight is due to several factors. PF causes a recurring cough which prompts many patients to take cough medications often. These medications cause fatigue, depression, and dry mouth which can result in weight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many prescription medications used to help manage the effects of PF cause a loss of appetite or nausea which also results in weight loss. In the advanced stages of the disease, though rare, patients may develop hepatic congestion and fluid retention. When fluids accumulate in the liver it makes a person feel full after a very small amount of food has been consumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a general lack of energy that doesn\u2019t go away even after you have rested, it can be a sign of PF. Fatigue<\/a>, both mental and physical is a common complaint from those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. Fatigue is best described as an unrelenting form of exhaustion that has a negative effect on all aspects of life. Pulmonary fibrosis, being an autoimmune disease has several symptoms, but fatigue is the most debilitating symptom out of all that adversely affects the overall quality of life of the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In PF patients, fatigue may be a result of decreased oxygen intake, lack of sleep due to breathing difficulties and lower amounts of REM sleep. Mental fatigue is also common in those suffering from PF. Most patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis tend to require more time alone to processes their thoughts, feelings, and emotions even if they were previously very social people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Dry Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common signs of PF is a dry unresponsive cough. A dry cough is not always associated with pulmonary fibrosis since it is also present in a wide variety of other conditions and diseases. Even the common cold results in a cough, making it harder to pinpoint PF as a cause in many patients. In most cases, a cough is caused by an infection in the lungs or excess amounts of mucus<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When lungs and airways become irritated, it will cause a person to cough. In the case of those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, the irritation is a result of scar tissue that forms due to the disease. The cough that accompanies pulmonary fibrosis patients is a dry cough that persists regardless of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the disease progresses, a cough will worsen. Often this cough is paired with shortness of breath and flu-like symptoms that result in the need for palliative treatment and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Edema <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unexplained swelling in the arms and legs are classic signs of pulmonary fibrosis. The longer a patient lives with the disease, the worse the scarring on the lungs becomes. As a result, there is less oxygen entering your bloodstream which causes your heart to work overtime. The right side of your heart is tasked with getting oxygen into your blood vessels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to increase the amount of oxygen, your blood, your heart reduces the overall volume it pumps. This reduction is what causes swelling in the arms and legs. Edema is most often noted in the extremities, but excess blood is also pooled in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fluid can also build up under the skin and in the lungs. The location of the edema <\/a>is one of the main clues regarding the cause of the swelling. Swelling in the ankles, legs and other extremities can become painful if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Clubbing of the Fingers & Toes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Digital clubbing is a common sign of pulmonary fibrosis<\/a>. It is also seen in other lung diseases and heart diseases. Clubbing is caused when the concentration of oxygen in the blood is chronically low. The toes and fingers of a person suffering from digital clubbing will appear to be enlarged with a rounded end. The fingers will have a tip that has the appearance of a drumstick. When blood pools at the ends of fingers or toes in the soft tissue, the end result is clubbing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the exact reasons for clubbing in pulmonary fibrosis patients is not known, it is evidence that the disease has reached the advanced stages. Digital clubbing in pulmonary fibrosis patients starts with the nail beds softening and the skin surrounding the nail taking on a high sheen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the ends of the digits will begin to take on the round shape with slightly red and warm tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Aching Joints & Aching Muscles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many patients who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis also develop soreness in their muscles <\/a>and joints. The chronic coughing that occurs as pulmonary fibrosis progress can cause pain in the back, stomach, and muscles due to constant strain. In some cases, there have been reports of pain in the tips of the tongue and lips as well as tightness in the chest. Though pulmonary fibrosis targets the lungs, the side effect of the disease is lower oxygen levels in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your muscles require adequate amounts of oxygen to function and repair themselves from regular use. When these areas are deprived, it can result in soreness. Many though not all who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis are also afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, as many as 40% according to NIH. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also results in weakness, pain, and soreness of the joints and muscles. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis or pulmonary fibrosis, however, the pain can be managed with medication and therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Insomnia <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who suffer from sleep issues due to their breathing problems and constant coughing are often diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Coughing tends to disrupt sleep making it almost impossible to achieve an adequate amount of REM sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once pulmonary fibrosis has been diagnosed, the medications used to help manage the symptoms may also affect the patient’s quality of sleep. For example, prednisone <\/a>is often prescribed to help manage pulmonary fibrosis, however, the side effects of the medication are mood changes, weight gain, and restlessness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once pulmonary fibrosis has reached an advanced stage an oxygen machine may need to be used at night for breathing assistance. This not only can be uncomfortable, but it can also disrupt a person\u2019s regular sleeping patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many PF patients take quick short breaths in an effort to get more oxygen, this can cause an increased heartbeat and prevent the body from relaxing into a deep slumber.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Dyspnea (Shortness of breath) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shortness of breath is common among many diseases of the lung however, it is one of the most common signs of pulmonary fibrosis. PF scars the lungs making it progressively harder to breathe as the disease progresses. In the early stages of the disease shortness of breath may only occur after exercise or strenuous activity.  As the disease gets worse, breathing becomes difficult even during a period of inactivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary fibrosis scars the alveoli which stops them from inflating and deflating fully. As their function decreases, so does their ability to distribute adequate amounts of oxygen into the bloodstream and filter out carbon dioxide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic oxygen deprivation will cause a myriad of painful side effects including digital clubbing, sore muscles, swelling, and sore joints. Corticosteroids <\/a>nay help relive dyspnea by combating airway inflammation, however, it will not stop the progression of the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, lung infections and extreme scarring may result in the need for a lung transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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