Lung Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis, often referred to as lung fibrosis, is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff. This scarring makes it harder for the lungs to expand and fill with air, leading to breathing difficulties that can progressively worsen. As the disease advances, oxygen levels in the blood may drop, preventing tissues and cells from receiving the oxygen they need.

Common Symptoms:

Causes:

Smoking

Exposure to air pollution

Gastroesophageal reflux

Acute or chronic pneumonia caused by viruses or bacteria

Radiation therapy

Risk factors:

Smoking
Diabetic mellitus
Occupational hazards such as smoke or dust from wood, metal, stone, coal or sand
Genetics and family history
Age (>60 years)

Limitations of Medication Therapy

Irrreversible fibrosis:
Current treatments cannot reverse the established fibrosis or regenerate damaged lung tissue.
Side effects:
Drugs in the market are associated with notable gastrointestinal and hepatic side effects that often limit tolerability.
Slow progression:
Drugs like pirfenidone and nintedanib reduce the rate of lung function decline but they do not reverse existing fibrosis.
Not a cure:
Treatments such as oxygen therapy do not treat the underlying cause and provide symptomatic relief only.