Signs of Pulmonary fibrosis (Lung scarring)

Description

Scarring in the lungs. The disorder can be caused by many conditions including: chronic inflammatory processes (sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), infections, environmental agents (asbestos, silica, exposure to certain gases), exposure to ionizing radiation (such as radiation therapy to treat cancer), and certain medications (nitrofurantoin, methotrexate).

Symptoms

Chest pain (occasionally), cough (usually dry), exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, fatigue.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. The following test may be performed to help establish the diagnosis: bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy, pulmonary function tests, surgical lung biopsy. Blood tests to diagnose the following autoimmune diseases may be done: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and/or scleroderma.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
X-Ray
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment is aimed at slowing down the scarring process and preventing hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, penicillamine, cyclosporine) may be given to reduce the inflammation and scarring, but these treatments are not very effective. Oxygen is administered for low blood oxygen levels. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573. American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864