fibrosis of the lungs

fibrosis of the lungs

Etymology: L, fibra + Gk, osis, condition; AS, lungen

the formation of scar tissue in the connective tissue of the lungs as a sequel to any inflammation or irritation caused by tuberculosis, bronchopneumonia, or a pneumoconiosis. Localized fibrosis may be complicated by infarction, abscess, or bronchiectasis. Also called pulmonary fibrosis.

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Patient discussion about fibrosis of the lungs.

Q. my uncle was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. can anyone help?

A. Pulmonary Fibrosis involves scarring of the lung. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by fibrotic tissue. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an irreversible loss of the tissue’s ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Traditional theories have postulated that it might be an autoimmune disorder, or the after effects of an infection, viral in nature. There is a growing body of evidence which points to a genetic predisposition. A mutation in the SP-C protein has been found to exist in families with a history of Pulmonary Fibrosis. The most current thinking is that the fibrotic process is a reaction to microscopic injury to the lung. While the exact cause remains unknown, associations have been made with the following:*Inhaled environmental and occupational pollutants, *Cigarette smoking, *Diseases such as Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus,*Therapeutic radiation. For full: http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ipf.htm Hope this helps.