Interstitial Pulmonary fibrosis is the thickening and scarring of lung tissues. This condition is a form of interstitial lung disease. This is chronic, non infectious and non malignant disease. This condition is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells into alveoli walls. This infiltration may cause abnormal scarring in connective tissues which support air sacs. Lungs get destroyed, if the disease progresses. Interstitial pulmonary disease is an idiopathic condition. This mostly affects people above 50 years of age.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the common diagnosing condition in people suffering from interstitial lung disease. After onset of disease, average duration of life is 4 – 5 years, but most people with condition live longer. This affects both the genders equally. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis develops in middle age, but can develop at any age.
Symptoms of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis
The major consequence of formation of abnormal scar tissue is impairment of transfer of oxygen from air to blood. Hence, an individual suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis notice malaise, shortness of breath and fatigue, especially after physical exertion. Sometimes, cough which does not produce sputum or phlegm and feeling of chest discomfort are also experienced by patients.
Causes of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis
Causes of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is not known. Inhalation of some toxins, radiation and autoimmune disease causes pulmonary fibrosis. Certain medications, such as busulfan, nitrofurantoin,phenytoin and bleomycin also cause interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.
Diagnosis of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis
physician suspects interstitial pulmonary fibrosis on the basis of sounds heard from chest when examined with stethoscope and also the symptoms.
- Chest X-ray is done along with lung function tests. These reveal the significant abnormalities.
- Computed Tomography scan demonstrates extent of involvement within lungs.
- Bronchoscopy is done to confirm the diagnosis.
- Biopsy is required for confirming the diagnosis. It is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. In this test, chest wall is opened and a sample of lung tissue is removed for examination.
Treatment for Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis
Generally, high dosage of oral corticosteroids, like prednisone are given. cytotoxic drugs, like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide are also prescribed by the physician. Corticosteroids are better for people suffering with inflammation and less fibrosis noticed in lung biopsy.
Lung transplantation is also suggested for certain patients in the advanced stage of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Generally, recovery is poor for people with idiopathic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and occupational dust diseases, that progressively stiffens lung.
