[Medical Q&A] Is pulmonary fibrosis untreatable?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhou Xin, Chief Physician, First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

The name "pulmonary fibrosis" seems to be untreatable, as if a "cement project" has been carried out on the lungs. In fact, pulmonary fibrosis is not completely untreatable, but there is no good cure at present. There are many ways to relieve symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.

The formation of pulmonary fibrosis begins with lung damage caused by various reasons (such as inflammation, infection, occupational exposure, chemicals, radiation, etc.). After the injury occurs, the lungs will initiate an inflammatory response, attracting white blood cells and other immune cells to gather in the damaged area in an attempt to repair the damage. This inflammatory response also activates fibroblasts, causing them to produce excessive collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which are deposited in the lung tissue and can gradually form scar tissue. Scar tissue will gradually replace the normal alveolar structure, causing the lungs to lose elasticity and gas exchange function. Patients may experience dyspnea (more obvious during activity), dry cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, etc. Treatment can be achieved by drug therapy (such as the use of anti-fibrotic drugs, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, etc.), oxygen therapy, respiratory rehabilitation training, lifestyle adjustments (such as quitting smoking, avoiding occupational exposure, regular exercise, etc.), etc. In some severe cases, lung transplantation may be required. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with pulmonary fibrosis, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life.