Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease that affects thousands of people worldwide and about seven thousand in Chile. At our institute we strive to provide the best possible care to patients facing this condition.
Since 2006, the National Thorax Institute has established itself as the leading national center for the care of adults with pulmonary fibrosis. During all this time, an important multidisciplinary team dedicated to this pathology was strengthened.
What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
This is a condition where healthy lung tissue is slowly replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis). This change makes it harder for the lungs to expand and reduces oxygenation capacity, which can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, frequent cough, and fatigue.
Causes and Risk Factors
Although the exact causes of pulmonary fibrosis are unclear, it is linked to factors such as exposure to smoke, dust and chemicals, as well as a family history of the disease. In some cases, a specific cause cannot be identified.
symptom
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
- A dry and persistent cough.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Pain in the joints and muscles.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis involves performing a series of tests, which may include chest x-rays, high-resolution CT scans, and lung function tests. A lung biopsy is sometimes necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
The management of pulmonary fibrosis at our institution is based on a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
- Antifibrotic drugs.
- Help with dyspnea.
- Oxygen therapy.
- Respiratory rehabilitation.
Support and Education
At our institute we offer comprehensive support and education to patients and their families. Knowledge about the disease and its management strategies are important to improve quality of life and treatment compliance.
In addition, we are a reference center to talk about this type of conditions, because we have an Interstitial Lung Diseases Unit, which has the possibility of carrying out complete studies of patients, through tomography, lung function tests , DLCO, oxygen infusion and the 6-minute walk, etc.
