PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR PULMONARY FIBROSIS
Dr. Govini Balasubramani
Head – CTVS, Heart & Lung Transplant, Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani
Breathing is the most natural of human functions. But when, much like the scars we have on our skin from other injuries, scarring in your lungs happens making the tissue stiff and difficult to get oxygen into your blood. This leads to shortness of breath, eventually making it hard for the person to do even the most simple activities like walking. This tissue thickening is called Pulmonary Fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form of interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosed all over the world as well as in India. 44% of patients with IPF are smokers, although some cases are familial pulmonary fibrosis.
While pulmonary therapy and medications can sometimes offer improvements in quality of life, there is no cure for damage caused to the lungs. Lung transplants now offer hope to some patients with progressing pulmonary fibrosis. However, there are a few simple things one can do to prevent lung tissue scarring:
- Don’t smoke – This one is a no-brainer. If you are a smoker then quit today! It is the primary cause of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), damages lung tissue, affects skin health, and causes bad breathe.
- Avoid indoor and outdoor pollutants – In busy cities, this may be hard to avoid. But have your home checked for mold and radon, and make sure you wear a mask to protect your lungs against harsh chemicals.
- Stay up to date with adult immunizations – including flu and pneumonia vaccines. Vaccines help keep us healthy and can reduce inflammation caused by avoidable illnesses.
- Exercise – Fitting 30 minutes of exercise 4 times a week can keep those lungs pumping and make sure to breathe deep.
- Avoid Pigeon Excreta – Pigeon faeces contains faecal ammonia that can initiate respiratory disorders
- Avoid Unwanted Radiation Exposures – This can cause radiation damage to tissues
- Avoid these Medications – bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, amiodarone, procainamide, penicillamine, gold (dust), nitrofurantoin and silica should be avoided. Medicines used for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and patients receiving chemotherapy are at high risk for developing IPF
- With the ongoing COVID 19 wear masks and maintain social distance – While the long-term impact of COVID-19 on our lungs isn’t yet completely known, those affected severely during the first two bouts of COVID have shown lung stiffening and scarring.
