Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. The thickened, scarred tissue makes it more difficult for the lungs to work properly.

Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by:

• Occupational/environmental exposure to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, bacteria, fumes, animal dusts, or gases
• Occupational related disease such as asbestosis, silicosis, Farmers Lung, or Bird Breeder’s Lung
• Lung infections like TB and others
• Drugs may cause pulmonary fibrosis—consult your doctor about any medications that you are taking
• Connective tissue, collagen, vascular diseases such as rheumatoid arthitis, systemic sclerosis, genetic not as common

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Signs & Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of a pulmonary fibrosis include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough without sputum which is dry, irritating, and persistent
• Clubbed fingers
• “Crackling” sound in the lungs
• Hypoxemia

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Diagnosis

There are several ways for a Deborah physician to diagnose cases of pulmonary fibrosis, including:

• Patient history
• Physical exam including diagnostic tests such as chest x-rays, CT scan, pulmonary function tests, and blood tests
• Bronchoalveolar lavage
• Bronchoscopy
• Lung biopsy