Pulmonary Fibrosis

Overview

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff over time. This scarring prevents the lungs from expanding and contracting normally, severely affecting their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As the disease advances, patients experience increasing breathing difficulty, which can ultimately lead to respiratory failure or complications in other organs due to prolonged oxygen deficiency.

The rate at which the disease progresses varies greatly among individuals. Some patients may remain stable for a while before experiencing sudden worsening episodes. In many cases, no clear cause can be identified, and the condition is classified as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Although the cause remains unknown in many cases, medical research has identified several environmental, medical, and genetic factors that may trigger or accelerate the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Long-term exposure to occupational dusts, such as silica or asbestos, is known to be a significant risk, especially among workers in construction, mining, or manufacturing industries. Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can also contribute, as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy lung tissue. Furthermore, long-term use of certain medications, such as chemotherapy or strong antibiotics, and previous exposure to chest radiation therapy (e.g., for breast cancer) have been associated with the disease.

There is also evidence of familial clustering in some cases, suggesting a genetic predisposition in certain individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop gradually and worsen over months or years. One of the earliest and most persistent symptoms is shortness of breath, which starts during physical exertion and may eventually appear even at rest. Patients often report a dry, hacking cough that lingers and disrupts sleep.

As oxygen levels in the blood decrease, the body begins to show signs such as bluish discoloration of the lips or fingertips (cyanosis). Another physical sign is clubbing, where the fingertips become thickened and rounded. Fatigue, general weakness, and unintended weight loss are also commonly reported, significantly impacting daily life.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis requires a comprehensive approach that combines clinical evaluation with imaging and functional tests. It typically starts with a chest X-ray, followed by a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan, which provides detailed images of the lung tissue and reveals characteristic patterns of fibrosis.

Pulmonary function tests are used to measure how much air the lungs can hold and how effectively they transfer oxygen. Blood tests may help rule out autoimmune or infectious causes. In certain cases, especially when imaging is inconclusive, a lung biopsy may be necessary—either via bronchoscopy or surgical means—to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Although pulmonary fibrosis cannot be completely cured, there are several methods that help control it and slow its progression, the most important of which are:

Abrasive Balloon:

This is one of the modern and effective techniques in supporting patients with pulmonary fibrosis, especially in the early stages of inflammatory fibrosis. This procedure works by dilating the narrowed airways due to chronic inflammation or obstruction associated with fibrosis, which improves airflow and directly reduces breathing difficulty. Clinical trials have shown that this intervention helps improve lung function, significantly reduce respiratory symptoms, and slow down or even halt disease progression.

Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells:

This is considered an advanced option in certain selected cases, especially when the fibrosis is active or inflammatory. Stem cells are extracted from the bone marrow under medical supervision, then injected through various methods to stimulate the regeneration of lung tissue and promote the lungs’ natural healing. Scientific studies and clinical trials have shown that this type of treatment contributes to improved lung function, reduced inflammation, and in some cases, a slowdown or halt in disease deterioration.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):

Inhaled PRP sessions rely on extracting plasma from the patient’s own blood, specially preparing it, and then delivering it via inhalation. This plasma contains natural growth factors that aid in the healing of mucous membranes in the airways and reduce chronic inflammation. Clinical trials have shown that regular use contributes to symptom relief and improved breathing quality, especially in cases of mild to moderate fibrosis.

Importance of Supporting the Abrasive Balloon Procedure with PRP or Stem Cells:

After airway dilation through the abrasive balloon, the lungs’ capacity to receive oxygen and benefit from regenerative treatments increases. Here lies the importance of PRP sessions and bone marrow stem cells as complementary therapies that enhance outcomes and help stabilize respiratory improvement.

PRP sessions aid in healing mucous membranes, reducing inflammation, and repairing inflammatory fibrotic tissue, while stem cells stimulate the regeneration of damaged lung tissues. Studies have proven that combining one of these regenerative treatments after balloon dilation helps sustain the effectiveness of the expansion, slow down or halt the deterioration of the condition, and significantly improve breathing quality.

Follow-Up and Lifestyle

Ongoing monitoring is crucial in managing pulmonary fibrosis. Patients need regular medical checkups, imaging studies, and lung function tests to assess progression and adjust treatment accordingly.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential. Complete smoking cessation is mandatory, as smoking accelerates lung damage. Patients should avoid environmental irritants and airborne pollutants. Routine vaccinations, especially for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, are strongly recommended to prevent infections that could worsen lung function.

Emotional and psychological support from healthcare professionals, family, and support groups is equally important, as chronic illness can take a toll on mental well-being. With early intervention, careful monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, many patients are able to manage their symptoms and maintain an acceptable quality of life.