Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of lungs. It mainly involves pulmonary interstitial tissues. It can also affect alveolar epithelial cells and lung blood vessels. The onset is hidden and aggravates gradually. Symptoms include progressive shortness of breath, dry cough with little phlegm or a small amount of white phlegm. At late stage, patients can have low oxygen blood, respiratory failure and right heart failure. During early stage, alveolar is only partially affected and fibrosis is reversible. Purpose of treatment is to reverse fibrosis, control progression of disease, improve symptoms and improve quality of life.
How is Pulmonary fibrosis treated in practice?