Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious and lifelong disease, it causes scarring to the lungs that makes it harder to breathe. Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, just medications to slow down the scarring to preserve your lung function. Medications and therapies are used to help with the symptoms and improvement of your quality of life.

Always consult a pulmonologist if you notice signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. Contact the best pulmonologist in Brooklyn by visiting Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Muscle aches and joint pains
• Weight loss

Causes

In most cases, there is no specific cause for pulmonary fibrosis. But in few instances, what causes pulmonary fibrosis can be identified as:

• Exposure to certain type of dusts
• Exposure to allergens
• A viral or bacterial infection
• A side effect of a drug or of certain treatments

Some types of pulmonary fibrosis occur along with other medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can make you more susceptible to developing pulmonary fibrosis, and they can include:

• Age — Pulmonary Fibrosis is more common in middle aged to older adults, but it can also happen to children and younger adults.
• Smoking — Smoking is a known risk for various lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Gender — Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is more likely to affect men than women.
• Certain Occupations — You can exposure to certain occupational hazards and environmental pollutants, such as asbestos, silica dust, and agricultural dust have been linked to an increased risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis.
• Cancer Treatment — Medications such as certain chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, and radiation therapy have also been associated to an increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
• Genetic Factors — Some cases and types of pulmonary fibrosis run in families, which may be linked to genetic factors.
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) — Severe cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can lead to fibrosis and may be a precursor to pulmonary fibrosis.
• Prior Lung Infections — Some studies suggest an association between prior lung infections and an increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis can cause strain to the right side of your heart, it can also lead to high blood pressure. But it severe cases, it can cause heart failure.

Some cases of pulmonary fibrosis develop slowly. You may not even notice a symptom during the early stages of pulmonary fibrosis. Medical providers can’t also predict how fast or slow a person’s condition may progress because it affects everyone differently. Others will live only months after the diagnosis, while others live several years after. There are many factors that can affect your prognosis.

If you notice changes on your respiratory system, consult a pulmonologist for a proper diagnosis. Early intervention will help maintain and preserve your lung’s function. At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. Visit our pulmonologists to have your signs and symptoms checked. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com