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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: 5 signs that may indicate problems in the lungs

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: 5 signs that may indicate problems in the lungs

"After the first symptoms, the patient takes average one to two years to find out that he has FPI, as he usually goes through several doctors trying to resolve the symptoms before he reaches a specialist.but he usually does not go to the pulmonologist, who is the doctor who diagnoses and treats pulmonary fibrosis idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, "says Adalberto Rubin, a pneumologist at the Santa Casa in Porto Alegre (RS) and one of the country's top specialists in IPF.

What is IPF?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that causes scars in lungs (fibroses) and leads to hardening of the lung tissues. The ability to expand and shrink from the lungs is progressively reduced, making breathing difficult. It can reach one or both lungs.

As the name implies, the causes of the disease are not known: the term "idiopathic" refers to diseases without a specific cause. However, it is known that smoking, environmental exposure to various pollutants, gastroesophageal reflux and chronic viral infection may be risk factors, as well as heredity.

Both the person and those around him / her - relatives, friends or caregivers - should be aware of the symptoms, as IPF affects mainly people over 50 years of age, especially men and is a progressive and uncured disease, but can be treated. "The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of delaying the progression of the disease and increasing the patient's survival, "says the pulmonologist.

Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Available in Brazil since the beginning of 2016, the active ingredient nintedanibe represents a breakthrough in the treatment of fibrosis idiopathic pulmonary disease in the country - before him the options for the treatment of IPF were lung transplantation or palaea methods, according to Adalberto Rubin.

"Anti-fibrotic drugs already are used in European countries and in several other locations for longer, always with good results. They are the best at caring for the disease, "he says." Its effect, the doctor explains, is to keep the disease from progressing. "It is not a cure. What the drug does is slow the progression of the disease and improve the prospects of patients, "explains the doctor.

Keep an eye on the symptoms

Because they are common in many health conditions, the symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can In the detection of symptoms, many patients think they are just natural signs of aging, others think of heart problems or other respiratory diseases.

The specialist explains what the symptoms are. The main signs of IPF:

1 - Constant fatigue

Every effort leads to remarkable exhaustion. "In the development of their daily tasks, one becomes more tired," says Rubin. air

"The changes in the lungs cause the individual to run out of air, usually associating sensation with fatigue," notes the pulmonologist. As soon as the breath is recovered, the pr but shortness of breath is an important sign of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.3 - Dry cough

That persistent dry cough is a symptom of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. "We are talking about a clean, phlegm-free cough common in respiratory and heart disease," says the doctor. Loss of Appetite

According to Rubin, "lack of oxygenation caused by altered lung function leads to other signs, such as loss of appetite. Weight Loss

As a result of loss of appetite, weight loss can be noticed in the appearance, scales and trim of clothes. It is good to be aware.

The recommendation is for the pulmonologist to be sought if these symptoms manifest themselves and become constant. "If other specialists already consulted have not been able to close a diagnosis, the patient should go to the pulmonologist, regardless of the time of the symptoms," says Rubin.

Do not forget physical activity

With correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment with antifibrotics and practice of regular exercise, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis find a significant improvement in respiratory system conditioning.

"Physical activity is positive for any respiratory or cardiac disease, as well as promoting health as a whole. in the case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, helps to treat the disease, "says Adalberto Rubin, a pneumologist at Santa Casa in Porto Alegre (RS).

Those who already have a habit of exercising the body need only continue. For those who do not yet have this routine, the pulmonologist suggests the use of walking or cycling to strengthen the respiratory system.


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