How to Identify Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when the tissues in the lungs become scarred and thick. It is believed repeated damage to the lungs may be a cause. The lungs become stiff and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide becomes less efficient. The stiffness of the lungs prevents oxygen from getting into the bloodstream effectively. There is currently no cure for pulmonary fibrosis. However there are ways to treat symptoms. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Understand risk factors. Although it is not completely understood what causes pulmonary fibrosis there are some risk factors for developing the disease. They include occupational exposures of inhaled pollutants such as asbestos and ammonia. Cigarette smoking, radiation therapy and certain medical conditions such as lupus also increase a person's chance of developing pulmonary fibrosis.

2. Spot symptoms. Shortness of breath, pain in the chest, weakness, weight loss and a chronic dry cough are symptoms. The symptoms are common for other respiratory conditions therefore additional tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

3. Get a chest X-ray. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order a chest X-ray. Thickening of the lung tissues and reduced lung volumes may be seen on the chest X-ray. Further testing such as a CAT scan may be needed.

4. Undergo a bronchoscopy. A doctor inserts a tube through the nose and directs it into the lungs. There is a scope attached to the tube to allow the physician to see what she is doing. A small amount of lung tissue is taken for a biopsy. This can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms such as lung cancer.

5. Have a pulmonary function test. A series of tests will be performed to measure lung volumes. You will be asked to breathe in and out at varying speeds and with varying force. The amount of air exhaled and inhaled will be measured. People with pulmonary fibrosis have a reduced lung capacity.

6. Measure oxygen levels in the blood. Your doctor will likely order an arterial blood gas which involves taking a blood sample from an artery. This will inform your physician how well oxygen is able to get into the blood. It also measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.