Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary Fibrosis involves scarring of the lung. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by fibrotic tissue. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an irreversible loss (as noted by some in orthodox medicine) of the tissue�s ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms?

� Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion

� Chronic dry, hacking cough

� Fatigue and weakness

� Discomfort in the chest

� Loss of appetite

� Rapid weight loss

What is the prevalence of Pulmonary Fibrosis?

There are five million people worldwide that are affected by this disease. In the United States there are over 200,000 patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis. As a consequence of misdiagnosis the actual numbers may be significantly higher. Of these more than 40,000 expire annually. This is the same as die from Breast Cancer. Typically, patients are in their forties and fifties when diagnosed. However, diagnoses have ranged from age seven to the eighties. Current research indicates that many infants are afflicted by Pediatric Interstitial Lung Disease. At this time there is limited data on prevalence for this group.

What are the causes?

Traditional theories have postulated that it might be an autoimmune disorder, or the after effects of an infection, viral in nature. There is a growing body of evidence which points to a genetic predisposition. A mutation in the SP-C protein has been found to exist in families with a history of Pulmonary Fibrosis. The most current thinking is that the fibrotic process is a reaction to microscopic injury to the lung. While the exact cause remains unknown, associations have been made with the following:

� Inhaled environmental and occupational pollutants

� Diseases such as Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Sarcoidosis

� Certain medications

� Therapeutic radiation

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