10 Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms

By lynda

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Pulmonary Fibrosis - Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic, 6 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690
• 2. 'Breathlessness – Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Home, 29 2021, www.actionpf.org/information-support/breathlessness
• 3. Özkaya, Özge. Cough in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis News, 29 Aug. 2019, pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/cough-coughing-pulmonary-fibrosis/
• 4. Melãoc, Alice. Fast Weight Loss in IPF Patients Linked to Poor Prognosis, Study... Pulmonary Fibrosis News, 16 Oct. 2019, pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2019/10/16/fast-weight-loss-ipf-patients-linked-poor-prognosis-may-indicate-immune-system-activation/
• 5. Özkaya, Özge. Shallow Breathing (Tachypnea) in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis News, 3 Sept. 2019, pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/fast-shallow-breathing-tachypnea/
• 6. Özkaya, Özge. Fatigue in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis News, 25 May 2021, pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/fatigue-pulmonary-fibrosis/
• 7. Henderson, Wendy. Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms: Aching Joints and Muscles. Pulmonary Fibrosis News, 12 Apr. 2017, pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2017/04/12/pulmonary-fibrosis-symptoms-aching-joints-muscles/
• 8. Clubbing in Patients with Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Diseases. ScienceDirect.com | Science, Health and Medical Journals, Full Text Articles and Books, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954611117303608
• 9. Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Stages, Causes & Life Expectancy. MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/pulmonary/fibrosis/article.htm
• 10. http://boehringer-ingelheim.com. Nutrition. Life with Pulmonary Fibrosis, 3 Dec. 2020, www.lifewithpulmonaryfibrosis.com/living-with-pulmonary-fibrosis/taking-care-of-yourself/nutrition
• 11. D'Souza, Gillian. Peripheral Cyanosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Medical and Health Information, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322560

Medical Expert

More About Us

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when the lung tissue becomes scarred and damaged. This results in the lung tissue becoming thickened and stiff, making it difficult for the lungs to work effectively. The scar tissue could be caused by various factors, including environmental toxins, radiation treatments and several different medical conditions. In many instances, the cause cannot be determined. This is termed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.¹‘Pulmonary Fibrosis - Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic, 6 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690

Unfortunately, pulmonary fibrosis can't be reversed. There is also no treatment currently available that can definitively stop the disease's progression. As a result, the treatment focuses on improving the person's quality of life and slowing the worsening symptoms.

Shortness of Breath

Most people with pulmonary fibrosis experience shortness of breath at some point during their illness. The previously compliant lungs lose function as scarring develops. Scarring begins in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange in the lungs.

Initially, the shortness of breath occurs during periods of exertion, but it is likely to worsen and appear at rest over time. In time, the person is likely to require oxygen for breathing. There are also a range of different medications that reduce the sensation of breathlessness, while others aim to reduce the anxiety associated with breathlessness.²‘Breathlessness – Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Home, 29 2021, www.actionpf.org/information-support/breathlessness