Lung fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic lung illness that produces scarring of lung tissue, making breathing more difficult. The scarring stiffens the lungs, limiting their ability to expand and absorb oxygen, resulting in gradual respiratory failure.

Causes of Lung Fibrosis

Lung fibrosis can develop for a variety of causes, although in many cases the cause is unknown. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the cause is unknown. Some known causes include:

  • Environmental factors – with Long-term exposure to certain pollutants, dust, asbestos, silica, or mold.
  • Autoimmune diseases – which involve lungs like rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma can trigger lung scarring.
  • Infections – Some viral and bacterial infections may cause to lung damage.
  • Certain medications – Chemotherapy drugs, some antibiotics, and heart medications can lead to lung fibrosis.
  • Radiation therapy – for treatment of cancers, radiation can cause lung tissue damage over time.

Symptoms of Lung Fibrosis

Symptoms are often gradual in onset and worsen over time. Common signs include:

  • Persistent dry cough
  • Shortness of breath, during physical activity and in severe cases even at rest position.
  • Fatigue and generalized weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Clubbing (thickened fingertips)
  • Low oxygen levels

Diagnosis

For diagnostic purposes the radiological investigation is mainstay. Imaging tests like CT scans, High resolution CT chest or sometimes with contrast study. lung function tests, also 6 minutes’ walk test to assess the drop in oxygen levels while walking and sometimes a lung biopsy.

Treatment

There is no cure, but certain treatments options can slow progression and improve quality of life. Common approaches include:

  • Medications that can slow the fibrosis (e.g., pirfenidone, nintedanib)
  • Oxygen therapy to ease breathing difficulties
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation for lung function improvement
  • Lung transplant in severe cases

Early diagnosis and management are critical in lung fibrosis, as prompt therapy can help patients retain a higher quality of life.

We at The Chest Clinic provides specialist care for lung fibrosis through early detection, modern imaging, and personalized treatment programs. Our team offers medication management, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplant evaluations. With compassionate, tailored care, we aim to improve patients’ quality of life by decreasing disease progression and improving breathing.

For appointment and further details please contact our number (+92)3018479066 or email us at connect@thechestclinic.pk.