Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

The alveolar epithelial cells can become damaged and may begin to die
As a result, the body tries to repair the damage to the alveolar cells by releasing cells called
fibroblasts.
The fibroblasts accumulate as their production becomes out of control, differentiating into
myofibroblasts that secrete collage and various other proteins causing thickening and
hardening of the delicate tissue
Effects of fibrosis on lung function
The alveoli walls become thicker, increasing the diffusion pathway; the volume of the lungs
decreases and the elasticity of the alveoli also decrease.
This reduced the efficiency of the lungs as a gas exchange system as it is harder for oxygen
to diffuse into the blood and there will be less of it due to the decrease in volume.
The hardening of the alveoli and decreased elasticity means expiration will be more difficult
as it is the springing back of the lungs that helps to force the air out.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Weakness and fatigue Caused by the reduced intake of oxygen, meaning cellular
respiration is lessened and there will be less energy.
Dry Cough The scar tissue in the lungs creates an obstruction for the passage of air, and so,
as a reflex action the person frequently coughs as the fibrous tissue is immoveable,
nothing will be expelled.
A crackling sound can be heard when a stethoscope is placed against the chest, due to the
obstructing tissue.
Difficulty when exercising and shortness of breath Caused by the reduced efficiency of the
lungs such as reduced elasticity and volume (which is being taken up by the fibrous tissue)
meaning less oxygen will be taken in.
Pains in chest Caused by the volume of damaged tissue affecting pressure, the damage the
scar tissue has caused and by chronic coughing
Other symptoms and diagnosis includes clubbing of the fingers and toes
Treatment
Some people respond well to medication and remain relatively free of symptoms for many
years
Other peoples health can deteriorate relatively quickly, leading to fatal complications such
as heart failure ( caused by the heart having to work harder to supply as much oxygen as
possible). Survival times usually range from 2-5 years after diagnosis.
A new treatment, called Serracor-nk has a 95% success rate although it has not yet been
introduced to the UK. It works by using enzymes to dissolve the fibrin (scar tissue) using the
lock and key theory.