Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms and Causes

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue gets scarred and damaged. People's lungs have a harder time functioning properly because of this inflexible, thickened tissue. People get ever more breathless as they progress.

The world's aging population and an increase in smokers drive market growth. According to studies, this disease affects young people at a rate of 5–6 cases per 100,000 people annually, compared to people over 60, who suffer an incidence of 11 cases per 100,000 people. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Market growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% over the projection period from 2022 to 2030.

Symptoms of Disease

Different people will experience pulmonary fibrosis in different ways, with varying degrees of symptoms. Some people get a serious illness very rapidly. Others get mild symptoms that intensify over months or years.

Some people may have an abrupt worsening of their symptoms (acute exacerbation), such as severe shortness of breath, which may last for several days to weeks. A ventilator may be used to keep people who are experiencing acute exacerbations alive. To treat an acute exacerbation, doctors may also recommend antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other drugs.

Pulmonary fibrosis signs and symptoms may include:

·       Fatigue

·       Dry cough

·       Aching joints and muscles

·       Unexpected weight loss

·       Breathing difficulty

Risk Factors of Disease

The following things can increase people's risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis:

Smoking: The prevalence of the disease is much higher in smokers and former smokers than in non-smokers. Those who have emphysema may occur pulmonary fibrosis.

Cancer Treatments: People's chances of developing this disease may rise if they have chest radiation therapy or use some chemotherapy medicines.

Age: Although this disease has been identified in newborns and children, middle-aged and older adults are considerably more likely to be affected.

Complications of Disease:

Heart failure on the right side:  When people's heart's a lower right chamber (ventricle) needs to work more than usual to pump blood through partially clogged pulmonary arteries, a dangerous condition known as pulmonary embolism occurs.

High blood pressure: This illness only affects the arteries in people's lungs, unlike systemic high blood pressure. It starts when scar tissue constricts the tiniest arteries and capillaries, increasing resistance to circulation in their lungs.

Respiratory failure: This is frequently the final stage of a chronic pulmonary condition. It happens when the risk of low blood oxygen levels.

Causes of Disease

Due to pulmonary fibrosis, the tissue surrounding and separating the air sacs (alveoli) in people's lungs thickens and scars. As a result, oxygen cannot enter their bloodstream as easily. Numerous variables, such as prolonged exposure to particular chemicals, specific medical conditions, radiation therapy, and some drugs, might contribute to the damage.