{"id":9791,"date":"2019-08-11T12:29:46","date_gmt":"2019-08-11T12:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9791"},"modified":"2021-04-25T17:04:40","modified_gmt":"2021-04-25T17:04:40","slug":"14-common-signs-of-pulmonary-fibrosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-signs-of-pulmonary-fibrosis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary fibrosis is caused when the lungs become diseased. When this happens, the lungs become thick and stiff because of the tissues in the lungs. The lungs have become scarred and damaged. This can make it difficult to breathe because pulmonary fibrosis has become severe. There are a number of signs of pulmonary heart disease that you need to be aware of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person has pulmonary fibrosis, doctors are unable to diagnose it. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Even though there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, there are medications and therapies that can improve a person\u2019s quality of life. In certain situations, a lung transplant may be given. If you happen to have a lung transplant, you\u2019ll need to make sure that you don\u2019t get pulmonary fibrosis again. One thing you need to do is carry a mask with you at all times. Here are eight common signs of pulmonary fibrosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Shortness of breath is a common sign of pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shortness of breath indicates that your lungs have become diseased. It is a good idea to go to your doctor as soon as possible because it can cause death, especially if you have a difficult time breathing. You may have to use an oxygen tank for the rest of your life. You won\u2019t be able to do things that you used to love doing because if you do any strenuous exercises, you\u2019ll get out of breath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nose, ear, and lung doctor is the best specialist to go to. Your primary care doctor may not check your lungs <\/a>and if he or she does, the wrong treatment may be given. At the hospital, the doctors will do a thorough check, such as giving you a CAT scan of your head. This will show what is going on with your lungs.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. A dry cough is a common sign you have pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most coughs <\/a>are wet, but when it\u2019s dry, this should concern you. A lot of people who smoke have a dry cough because they have damaged their lungs over the years. Second-hand smoke can cause the lungs to become diseased as well. As long as any hazardous substance is able to get into the lungs, damage can be done. Even if you drink water, the cough will remain dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is even worse if you\u2019re coughing constantly. This will cause chest pain. Even though the damage has been done to your lungs, you need to stop smoking or being around the substance that is causing you harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you persistently cough, it could cause you to vomit. If the doctor suspects that you have pulmonary fibrosis, you may be given medications that will help with the cough and lung disease.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Weight loss will occur with pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since your lungs are diseased, it may cause you to be unable to swallow. When this occurs, it will be difficult to eat. If you do eat, you will still lose weight for no apparent reason. Whenever you see food, it may make you feel sick. Since you have pulmonary fibrosis<\/a>, the sickness feeling will remain. It is not good for your health to lose too much weight and especially if the loss of weight can\u2019t be controlled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor may give you a medication, along with pulmonary fibrosis medications to help with your appetite. If it\u2019s difficult to swallow, the doctor will suggest eating softer foods, such as applesauce, tuna salad, and oatmeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to start living a healthy life when you have pulmonary fibrosis, such as walking and eating healthy. You\u2019ll soon be able to live your life as normally as possible.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Muscles and joints will ache with pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your muscles <\/a>and joints will ache because there is an accumulation of thick and stiff tissue. Muscle rubs will not work until you\u2019re able to get medications for pulmonary fibrosis. Muscle and joint aches will stop you from doing your daily activities, such as exercising and cleaning up the house. You may have to get on disability since your body won\u2019t operate the way it used to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people who have muscle and joint aches may believe it\u2019s from exercising too hard. Some people don\u2019t have other signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Once the muscle and joint aches don\u2019t go away, then they go to the doctor. Pulmonary fibrosis will have gotten worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications for pulmonary fibrosis may not work as well since you waited too long to receive treatment. There are other therapies available, which may help the disease. You\u2019ll be limited in what you can do.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Fatigue is a common sign of pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll feel tired and have a lack of energy<\/a>. Things that you need to do throughout the day will become a chore. It\u2019ll be difficult to get out of bed in the morning. It\u2019ll become difficult to complete job tasks at work. You won\u2019t actually go to sleep, but you\u2019ll feel tired. Chores around the house won\u2019t get done. If you\u2019ve had plenty of energy before, this should concern you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since you will feel tired and have less energy, you\u2019ll become irritable. Since your lungs are damaged, the fatigue may go away once you take therapies and medication. Your energy may come back, but not as strong. You\u2019ll be able to get through the day without having too many problems with fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go to your doctor as soon as possible because there is a health issue going on in your body. You shouldn\u2019t feel fatigued all of the time.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Widening around the tips of the toes and fingers are a common sign of pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This occurs when the fluid has accumulated in these areas. There is a lack of oxygen <\/a>in the blood. The lungs need oxygen to help with breathing. The body needs oxygen to work properly. If it does have the oxygen it needs different things that will happen to your body, including pulmonary fibrosis. When this occurs, other symptoms will occur, such as clubbing. During the early stage of this, the nail bed lifts up and then the fingernails enlarge and round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to get treatment right away for pulmonary fibrosis to prevent this from happening. This is unsightly and makes it difficult to walk and do things involving your hands. With therapies and medication, the doctor may be able to help the clubbing to go away. If you wait too long, the symptom could become permanent.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Fast and shallow breathing is another sign of pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It happens because there is lung damage. When you breathe, you will need to take in more breaths that the normal person. You can try taking in air through your nose and slowly breathing out from your mouth<\/a>. Being around hazardous substances can eventually cause fast and shallow breathing. Your lungs have filled up with these substances from years of breathing them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you get older, it takes more air to your lungs to breathe. Even though you can do breathing exercises, it\u2019s best to go to the emergency room to get tested. They may place you on a ventilator to help with your breathing. Depending on how much damage has been done to your lungs, you may need to use an oxygen machine on a permanent basis. It is also a good idea to stay away from additional hazardous substances.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Anxiety and depression are other symptoms of having pulmonary fibrosis. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The person\u2019s mood will start to change. Any small thing will stress the person out. A lot of times when people suffer from anxiety and depression<\/a>, they try to manage it themselves, but it will just get worse. In order to get a handle on your mental health, contacting a primary care physician would be your first step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physician can take blood and imaging tests to see what is wrong. A lot of the time, there could be a thyroid disorder that could be affecting your mood. In this case, you\u2019ll be diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. This will cause more stress for the person, so the physician may refer you to a mental health counselor who can help you deal with your illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might be helpful to go to group therapy, so you can be around others who have the same illness as you. You can cope better if you know that you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Working in Industrial Conditions is a Sign of Pulmonary Fibrosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some heavy industry jobs require workers to endure harsh environmental working conditions. Being a coal-face miner, tearing down hazardous buildings, and working in steel mills in the industry that keeps the world moving. However, exposure to this level of environmental stress takes a heavy toll on the individuals that choose these vocations to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing in silica dust, asbestos <\/a>fibers, or hard metal dust and coal particles can lead to the development of pulmonary fibrosis in these workers. Workers that notice the signs of respiratory distress associated with the condition should not delay visiting their doctor. While there is no cure for the disease, treatment will help to slow its progression and make the patient’s quality of life as comfortable as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are a victim of pulmonary fibrosis brought on by working conditions, speak to a qualified legal practitioner for advice you can use in claiming medical expenses and damages from your employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Working Around Birds is a Sign of Pulmonary Fibrosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you spend your career working in aviaries or abattoirs, and start to develop symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, it could be due to your working conditions. Workers that have to feed the birds or work in grain storage facilities experience exposure to grain dust that may cause the fibrosis to develop. The patient requires repeated exposure over many years for the condition to emerge, and the patient will eventually succumb to the respiratory symptoms of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those individuals that work with the birds in the feeding and housing facilities are also at risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis. The feeders and handlers risk exposure to bacteria <\/a>and viruses from the feces inside the housing facilities. The droppings may also dry and go airborne, where the workers breathe it into their lungs while feeding and handling the birds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work in these types of conditions, make sure you receive regular checkups with your doctor at least twice a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Radiation Exposure is a Sign of Pulmonary Fibrosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Radiation <\/a>exposure is another sign of pulmonary fibrosis. IF a patient recently experienced any radiation therapy for cancer, it may be the cause of the condition. However, it takes years for the patient to realize that they have the disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients that receive radiation therapy for lung cancer treatments may begin to show signs of pulmonary fibrosis some years after receiving the treatment. How much damage the lung experiences depends on a variety of factors. The condition may also occur alongside chemotherapy use as well.  If the patient has any underlying health condition, this may also affect the outcome of the diagnosis as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who work in hazardous zones, or receive hazardous therapies should always maintain a regular checkup schedule with their doctor. Failing to request and receive proper medical treatment and advice, even after recovering from severe diseases, is as dangerous as working in these types of vocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Lung Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who experience some form of lung damage may go on to develop pulmonary fibrosis later in life. If you start to exhibit the respiratory conditions associated with the onset of the disease, and you previously experienced lung disease or trauma, visit a doctor immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the medical conditions associated with the onset of pulmonary fibrosis include; Polymyositis<\/a>, dermatomyositis, pneumonia, mixed connective tissue disease, and sarcoidosis. These conditions all create significant amounts of lasting damage in the lungs. In some cases, the damage is permanent, resulting in the onset of pulmonary fibrosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may only start to experience symptoms of PF some years after the initial condition or trauma that causes lung damage. If you have lung damage from previous injury or trauma to the respiratory system, visit your doctor for a regular checkup at least twice a year. By monitoring your health, you have a better chance of improving longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Using Some Types of Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of medications <\/a>that can cause severe amounts of damage to your lungs. If you recently went on chemotherapy medication, these cancer drugs can cause damage to the cells in the lungs. Medicines that contain methotrexate compounds, like Otrexup and Trexall, and those containing cyclophosphamide can cause permanent damage to the lung tissues in some cases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some medications designed to treat heart conditions can also cause the onset of pulmonary fibrosis. Drugs used in the management of irregular heartbeats, such as compounds like amiodarone, found in Cordarone, Pacerone, and Nexterone, Pacerone, may also do significant amounts of damage to lung tissue as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some antibiotic medications also cause damage to the lung tissue. Treatments for severe bacterial infections of the lungs, such as pneumonia, may require the use of compounds like nitrofurantoin, found in antibiotic products like Macrodantin, and Macrobid, or those that contain ethambutol can also create significant amounts of damage to the lung tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a group of risk factors<\/a> that make some individuals more inclined to develop pulmonary fibrosis than others. If you find yourself listed among the high-risk groups mentioned below, consult a doctor for advice. The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis occur slowly over the years in some cases. Always keep in touch with your doctor after the diagnosis for better management of your condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pulmonary fibrosis is most common in adults in their 50s and older. While cases do occur in young adults and children, they are rare. Men are also more likely to develop pulmonary fibrosis than women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking tobacco products like cigarettes makes you far more likely to develop pulmonary fibrosis than non-smokers. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and smokers should abstain from the habit before they develop symptoms of emphysema. Emphysema can progress into the onset of pulmonary fibrosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working in heavy industry jobs like steel mills, abattoirs, mines, and chemical factories may also result in injury to the lungs that results in the onset of PF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>