What is pulmonary fibrosis

[chony08]

My friend was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  What precautions and treatments are recommended?

[National Jewish Health]

Fibrosis is often used to refer to scarring and, as such, can be seen in small portions of one or both lungs.  In contrast, the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis s a term used to describe widespread fibrosis, throughout both lungs.  It is a serious lung disease that can vary widely in severity and in rapidity of progression.  If not already done, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a lung specialist, also called a pulmonologist, quite familiar with the disease.  That is because there are other interstitial lung diseases that can mimic pulmonary fibrosis in appearance, but are responsive to therapy.  Unfortunately, there are no treatments that could be described as effective or very effective.

If there are any doubts about the diagnosis, your friend would do well to consider seeking a second opinion at an institution that specializes in this type of lung disease, such as the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado.

To learn more please read our interstitial lung disease information by copying and pasting this address

http://www.nationaljewish.org/disease-info/diseases/ild/index.aspx

into the address window of your internet browser.

Good luck.