How to address idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in times of COVID-19?
World Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Day is celebrated on September 7. Learn more about this condition and how to treat it online in times of pandemic.
La idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common disease within a group of pathologies called interstitial lung diseases, which cause inflammation and scarring around the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. These diseases are so called because they refer to the interstitium, which is a network of connective tissue that supports the structure of the lung, giving support to the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs during respiration. That is, the oxygen that is breathed passes through the alveoli, reaches the blood and is distributed throughout the body so that it functions normally.
In the case of people suffering from interstitial disease, this network of tissue made up of fibers undergoes processes in which it becomes rigid or scars. Fibers that were more elastic become less flexible. In order for adequate oxygen exchange to take place in the body, the lung interstitium (this network of tissue) should be flexible to provide good opening and expansion movement. In the case of people with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, by losing flexibility, the spaces where gas exchange was carried out before are reduced. If this scarring progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to distribute oxygen to all the organs of the body.
IPF is progressive and progresses deteriorating respiratory capacity, although the evolution may be different in each person. It can easily be confused with other more common respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart failure. This usually generates a delay of between 2 and 4 years for a correct assessment and access to adequate treatment.
The condition occurs in between 14 and 43 people per 100.000 and there are a total of approximately 3 million patients worldwide. In general, it usually affects men and is seen more frequently in smokers or ex-smokers. The incidence increases with age, typically presenting between the ages of 60 and 70, rarely occurring before the age of 50.
Why is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis generated?
Its cause is unknown, which is why it is called idiopathic. What is known, to this day, is that there are different factors that can cause a person to develop it. Among these are:
- Environmental exposure to inhaled substances to which the lungs react, for example, to wood dust.
- autoimmune processes
- Tobacco smoke inhalation
- Another reason that may be a cause, but which is still being studied to this day, is gastroesophageal reflux.
“Although it is a disease characterized by abnormal healing of the lung tissue in the face of an injury that has not yet been determined, risk factors such as smoking, exposure to toxic particles and certain genetic mutations have been identified since there are familial forms of the disease. ”,
Gabriela Tabaj, coordinator of the Interstitial Diseases Clinic of the Antonio Cetrángolo Chest Hospital – Argentina.
What are the symptoms?
- Dyspnea (feeling short of breath)
- persistent dry cough
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
If you feel short of breath when making any effort, have a cough that appears at any time of the day or pain in the chest area, it is advisable to make a consultation to find out the steps to follow and the tests that may be necessary.
How to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in times of COVID-19?
At Fundación Lovexair we help people with this condition, providing online support through the HappyAir platform. Once you register, one of our respiratory physiotherapists will be able to advise and guide you to maintain the state of health in the best conditions.
you can sign up for free here. Access teleconsultations at no cost or commitment.
For more information on respiratory health, you can consult a HappyAir Coach or contact info@happyair.org (+34) 91 822 78 74.
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