September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

Chances are, if your lungs seem to be working fine, you aren’t worried about something called Pulmonary Fibrosis, but in the wake of a world recovering from the respiratory traumas of COVID-19, spreading awareness is essential.

Pulmonary fibrosis, also commonly known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath (Mayo Clinic).

Signs and Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis may include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

• A dry cough

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Aching muscles and joints

• Widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers or toes (clubbing)

Though there is yet to be a clear cause for pulmonary fibrosis, long term exposure to toxins, certain medical conditions, radiation therapy and specific medications are just a few of the known causes associated with the onset of the disease. Thankfully, there are many options for treatment and someone living with the disease is still able to live a full life. The most important part of living with pulmonary fibrosis is taking steps to manage your symptoms and knowing you are not alone.

Some treatment options for those suffering from pulmonary fibrosis are:

• Medication

• Oxygen Therapy

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

• Lung transplant (for severe cases)

• Quit smoking

• Stay active

• Get Vaccinated

• Eat well

• Rest

About 100,000 people are affected [by pulmonary fibrosis] in the United States, and 30,000 to 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Only a small percentage of cases appear to be genetic or run in families (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: MedlinePlus Genetics).

Campbell County Medical Group Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine diagnoses and treats diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. Offering both respiratory therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, Campbell County Health provides comprehensive care and testing for those in our community who may be experiencing signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.

If you or a loved one are suffering from pulmonary fibrosis or chronic lung diseases, our team of healthcare providers is here for you. To learn more about services provided by Campbell County Health, visit us here: https://www.cchwyo.org/services/pulmonary/

Sources:

“Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: MedlinePlus Genetics.” Medlineplus.gov, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/#:~:text=Frequency&text=Idiopathic%20pulmonary%20fibrosis%20has%20an. Accessed 5 Aug. 2022.

Mayo Clinic. “Pulmonary Fibrosis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690.

“Pulmonologist in Gillette, Wyoming.” Campbell County Health, www.cchwyo.org/services/pulmonary/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2022.