Preventive measures for Pulmonary fibrosis

Do you often feel fatigued? Is your constant coughing snatching away your peace? Your sudden weight loss is bothering you? Then, it’s time to consult your doctor as you may be suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. Yes, you have heard it right! Read on to know more about this condition.

Pulmonary fibrosis can be defined as a lung disease which tends to take place when lung tissue is damaged and scarred. You will be stunned to know that this thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to function properly. Moreover, as pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively shorter of breath and may give you a tough time. Did you know? The scarring linked with pulmonary fibrosis can occur owing to a multitude of factors. Also, the lung damage which one undergoes due to pulmonary fibrosis can't be repaired. But what is relieving is that the medications and therapies can sometimes help tackle symptoms and improve quality of life. The lung scarring which takes place owing to pulmonary fibrosis can't be reversed, and also no current treatment has proved helpful in stopping the progression of it.

Pulmonary fibrosis has been diagnosed in children and infants; the disorder is much more likely to affect middle-aged and older adults too. Moreover, smokers and former smokers develop pulmonary fibrosis when compared to the people who haven’t smoked. It tends to also occur in the ones with emphysema. Not only this, if you work in mining, farming or construction. However, Dr. Arvind Kate, Pulmonologist at Zen Multi specialty Hospital, Chembur talks about the necessary preventive measures for this condition

Preventive Measures:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. It includes doing physical exercise to improve your endurance, breathing techniques to improve lung efficiency nutritional counseling, and support.
• You must cut down on smoking if you have lung disease. You must also keep in mind that second-hand smoke is harmful, and avoid being around people who smoke.
• One with lung disease may shed weight because it's uncomfortable to eat and due to the extra energy, it takes to breathe. A nutritionally rich diet which contains adequate calories is vital. Also, you should try to eat smaller meals more often during the day.
• Include fresh fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free and dairy products, in your daily diet.
• Say no to trans-fat and saturated fat, foods with too much salt, and added sugars. You can speak to your expert who will help you with the right kinds of foods you should eat.
• Regular physical activity can help you enhance the functioning of your lungs, and tame stress. You can opt for activities like walking, cycling and many more.
• Take adequate rest and this can help you get more energy and cope with the stress of your condition.
• Don’t forget to go for regular follow-ups with your doctor without missing any of the appointments. Take medications as prescribed by your doctor and adhere to all the instructions. Doing so can surely help you improve the quality of your life.
• Lung transplant is definitive treatment for certain lung fibrosis. You need to consult your doctor about this. It’s now feasible in India also.

Book Appointment: Dr. Arvind Kate, Pulmonologist at Zen Multi specialty Hospital, Chembur