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How To Diagnose Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Question: How can a 63 year old woman know if she has pulmonary fibrosis?
YYYY@YYYY
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
you need HRCT and lung biopsy to confirm diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, thanks for your question on HCM. Pulmonary fibrosis hs many causes and classified in 4 different types. The most common is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Diagnosis is multidisciplinary approach. You firstly need thorough clinical examination by respiratory physician (pulmonologist).
Old age, progressively increasing shortness of breath, smoker, clubbing, exertion desaturation, bilateral lower zone fine inspiratory crepitations (velcro crepts) are clinical findings of IPF.
If family history of IPF is present than young individuals can also develop IPF.
Pulmonary Fuction test (PFT) shows restrictive pattern with low capacities and reduced diffision capacity (DLCO). Regular follow up with PFT will tell you about severity of the IPF and also whether it is static or progressive in nature.
Gold standard is HRCT (High Resolution CT) and lung biopsy either bronchoscopic or transthorasic. There are special patterns on HRCT for diagnosing IPF.
1.Reticular pattern.
2. Honeycombing in lung bases.
3. Traction bronchiectasis.
4. Ground glass appearance etc.
And biopsy from this lesion will help you in clear cut diagnosis of IPF.
So,I advice you to consult Pulmonologist first and discuss these things.
About CRP and ANA, it is to rule Collagen vascular disease associated Pulmonary fibrosis.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
you need HRCT and lung biopsy to confirm diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, thanks for your question on HCM. Pulmonary fibrosis hs many causes and classified in 4 different types. The most common is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Diagnosis is multidisciplinary approach. You firstly need thorough clinical examination by respiratory physician (pulmonologist).
Old age, progressively increasing shortness of breath, smoker, clubbing, exertion desaturation, bilateral lower zone fine inspiratory crepitations (velcro crepts) are clinical findings of IPF.
If family history of IPF is present than young individuals can also develop IPF.
Pulmonary Fuction test (PFT) shows restrictive pattern with low capacities and reduced diffision capacity (DLCO). Regular follow up with PFT will tell you about severity of the IPF and also whether it is static or progressive in nature.
Gold standard is HRCT (High Resolution CT) and lung biopsy either bronchoscopic or transthorasic. There are special patterns on HRCT for diagnosing IPF.
1.Reticular pattern.
2. Honeycombing in lung bases.
3. Traction bronchiectasis.
4. Ground glass appearance etc.
And biopsy from this lesion will help you in clear cut diagnosis of IPF.
So,I advice you to consult Pulmonologist first and discuss these things.
About CRP and ANA, it is to rule Collagen vascular disease associated Pulmonary fibrosis.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
What are the general treatments for pulmonary fibrosis? Do you know of natural remedies, exercises, etc. I can do? Thank-you for your consideration.
Lu DaCosta
Lu DaCosta
Brief Answer:
anti oxidants and anti fibrotic drugs are useful.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your query.
In my practice I used following protocol for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
1. Anti oxidants like N acetyl cysteine.
2. Anti fibrotic drug perfinodone.
3. Home oxygen therapy .
4. Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercise.
5. Pulmonary vaccination with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to prevent future infections.
6. Discuss end of life issues.
7. Regular follow up with PFT every 3 monthly and CT thorax 6 monthly to know about progression of the disease.
Steroids are required on as when basis.
Natural remedies like anti oxidants can be tried but not much effective.
Once fibrosis is in advanced stage only oxygen will help a little.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further query, I request you to close the conversation and rate the answer. Thanks.
anti oxidants and anti fibrotic drugs are useful.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your query.
In my practice I used following protocol for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
1. Anti oxidants like N acetyl cysteine.
2. Anti fibrotic drug perfinodone.
3. Home oxygen therapy .
4. Chest physiotherapy and deep breathing exercise.
5. Pulmonary vaccination with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to prevent future infections.
6. Discuss end of life issues.
7. Regular follow up with PFT every 3 monthly and CT thorax 6 monthly to know about progression of the disease.
Steroids are required on as when basis.
Natural remedies like anti oxidants can be tried but not much effective.
Once fibrosis is in advanced stage only oxygen will help a little.
Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further query, I request you to close the conversation and rate the answer. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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