Coping with Pulmonary Fibrosis

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition marked by thickening and scarring of tissue deep in your lungs. It also may result in inflammation and scarring in your air sacs and their supporting structures.

If the scarring progresses, it may lead to breathing difficulties and/or impair your lungs' ability to deliver oxygen to your bloodstream. This can keep your internal organs from getting the oxygen they need to function properly.

Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

In many cases, doctors are unable to determine the cause of pulmonary fibrosis. However, certain factors are thought to increase your risk of the disease. These factors include:

exposure to environmental pollutants (such as certain fumes and hard metal dusts)

viral infections (including hepatitis C and Epstein-Barr)

use of certain medications (including some antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis)

undergoing chemotherapy

GERD

cigarette smoking

Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis symptoms tend to develop over time and progressively worsen. They may include:

shortness of breath

a dry, hacking cough that doesn't subside over time

rapid, shallow breathing

gradual, unintended weight loss

fatigue

aching muscles and joints

widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers and/or toes

Treatment for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Although there's no way to reverse scarring that has already occurred, certain treatments (including medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgery) may help prevent further damage, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life for people with pulmonary fibrosis.

Since pulmonary fibrosis may lead to serious and even life-threatening complications (such as low blood-oxygen levels, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory failure), it's crucial to consult your physician if you experience symptoms of the disease.

Alternative Medicine and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Very few scientific studies have explored the use of alternative medicine in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the following natural remedies and alternative therapies may be useful for individuals coping with pulmonary fibrosis:

1) Medicinal Mushrooms

In a 2007 study, scientists discovered that cordyceps sinensi (a medicinal mushroom) helped alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in a group of mice.

It's important to note that these findings are preliminary. If you're interested in using medicinal mushrooms in the management of pulmonary fibrosis, it's critical to consult your physician rather than attempting to self-treat your condition.

2) Mind-Body Stress Relief

For help in dealing with the stress of pulmonary fibrosis, consider taking up a calming mind-body practice such as guided imagery or meditation.

3) Natural Remedies to Quit Smoking

Smoking cessation is key to coping with any lung disease. If you smoke, look to alternative therapies like acupuncture and hypnosis for help in quitting.

_Sources:

_{Wang SJ, Bai W, Wang CL, Dai Z. "Effects of cordyceps sinensi on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice." Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 32(24):2623-7.}