W6 - Pulmonary Fibrosis

Question 1

What is pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 1

Restrictive disease cause by inflammation & scarring of the lungs & reduces gas exchange

Question 2

Causes of pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 2

Unknown
Occupational exposure
Infection
Smoking

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

Breathlessness
Constant cough that doesn’t go away
Clubbing fingers & toes
Feeling tired

Question 4

Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 4

Detailed patient history
Clinical signs = SOBOE & SOBAR
persistent cough
Clubbing fingers & toes
Spirometer
Bronchoscopy
Chest cray followed by a CT scan

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

O2 therapy
Pulmonary rehab
Medication ( morphine & sedatives for breathlessness)
Treatment for heartburn & blocked nose
Lung transplant (rare)

Question 6

Drugs current used to treat pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 6

Purfenidine = mild to moderate IPF. Slows down the inflammation& build up of scar tissue
Nintedanib = originally used in lung cancer patients. Reduces rate of scarring & helps reduce flare ups

Question 7

Pulmonary rehab

Answer 7

Exercise
Education
Self management Diet
Diet
Lifestyle modification