Overview
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which scarring happens in the lungs. It makes the lungs less elastic and causes breathing problems. Pulmonary fibrosis usually gets worse over time. You can't undo the damage to your lungs. But you can take steps to prevent more damage and feel better.
In most cases, doctors don't know what causes pulmonary fibrosis. Possible causes include lung infection and injury to the lungs from smoking or being around smoke, dirty air, chemicals, and dust.
It's diagnosed if a CT scan shows a "honeycomb" pattern in the lung. In some cases, a lung biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
Pulmonary fibrosis makes it hard to breathe. Symptoms may include shortness of breath and a dry cough. Symptoms usually get worse over time. The change in symptoms may happen quickly or more slowly.
Treatment
Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis aims to make breathing easier and slow the progress of the disease. Treatment includes medicines and oxygen to ease shortness of breath. Your doctor may use pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to check how well treatment is working and provide the best care.
Self-care
Self-care aims to make breathing as easy as possible. You can help prevent lung infections by avoiding smoke, dirty air, and sick children and adults. Keeping up with vaccinations like pneumonia, TDAP, and your annual flu vaccine can also help prevent new lung infections and help you stay healthy.