Pulmonary fibrosis causes scar tissue in the lungs which makes it difficult for the lung to transport enough oxygen into the bloodstream. The scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue lead to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which results in the two main symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis: shortness of breath and a chronic cough.
Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis
A number of factors can lead to the scarring of the lung tissue or pulmonary fibrosis, which makes the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis relatively difficult. Medical professionals often cannot determine the cause of the scarring and identify the condition as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis may cause severe, irreparable lung damage. Improving symptoms and quality of life with standard treatments and lifestyle changes is possible nonetheless.
Pulmonary fibrosis is treatable in the sense that medications and options such as oxygen therapy improve the symptoms and impede the development of the disease. Lifestyle modifications can be as important as traditional treatment methods, such as quitting smoking, regular physical activity, and following your doctor’s instructions.
While the risk of developing other conditions related to pulmonary fibrosis depends on individual risk factors, pulmonary fibrosis has been associated with the risk of numerous other health conditions, including blood clotting, heart attack, stroke, lung infections, lung cancer, and pulmonary hypertension.
Living with PF
Living with a disease like pulmonary fibrosis can be challenging, but it is critical to remind yourself that you are not the only, and you are alone. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor about your concerns and questions, and make sure that you have an emotional support system in place, like family members and friends.
Seeking Support
Connect with a community or a support group for people with lung diseases, or specifically pulmonary fibrosis. It is immensely beneficial to interact with others who have the same condition and learn how they manage on a daily basis.
Being in a support group can also have a positive effect on your emotional health as it will give you an opportunity to socialize and connect with those who know what you go through.
Support groups are invaluable resources for not only people with pulmonary fibrosis but also their families and caretakers. You can look up local and online support groups on pulmonaryfibrosis.org
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