Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

The alveolar epithelial cells can become damaged and may begin to die
As a result, the body tries to repair the damage to the alveolar cells by
releasing cells called fibroblasts.
The fibroblasts accumulate as their production becomes out of control,
differentiating into myofibroblasts that secrete collage and various other
proteins causing thickening and hardening of the delicate tissue

Effects of fibrosis on lung function

The alveoli walls become thicker, increasing the diffusion pathway; the
volume of the lungs decreases and the elasticity of the alveoli also
decrease.
This reduced the efficiency of the lungs as a gas exchange system as it is
harder for oxygen to diffuse into the blood and there will be less of it due
to the decrease in volume.
The hardening of the alveoli and decreased elasticity means expiration will
be more difficult as it is the springing back of the lungs that helps to force
the air out.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Weakness and fatigue Caused by the reduced intake of oxygen, meaning

cellular respiration is lessened and there will be less energy.
Dry Cough The scar tissue in the lungs creates an obstruction for the
passage of air, and so, as a reflex action the person frequently coughs as
the fibrous tissue is immoveable, nothing will be expelled.
A crackling sound can be heard when a stethoscope is placed against the
chest, due to the obstructing tissue.
Difficulty when exercising and shortness of breath Caused by the
reduced efficiency of the lungs such as reduced elasticity and volume
(which is being taken up by the fibrous tissue) meaning less oxygen will be
taken in.
Pains in chest Caused by the volume of damaged tissue affecting
pressure, the damage the scar tissue has caused and by chronic coughing
Other symptoms and diagnosis includes clubbing of the fingers and toes

Treatment

Some people respond well to medication and remain relatively free of

symptoms for many years
Other peoples health can deteriorate relatively quickly, leading to fatal
complications such as heart failure ( caused by the heart having to work
harder to supply as much oxygen as possible). Survival times usually
range from 2-5 years after diagnosis.
A new treatment, called Serracor-nk has a 95% success rate although it
has not yet been introduced to the UK. It works by using enzymes to
dissolve the fibrin (scar tissue) using the lock and key theory.