Customer question:
What is fibrosis? Question from an anonymous customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Fibrosis is a pathological process in which healthy tissue is replaced by scarred and less elastic fibrous tissue. This can happen in various organs of the body, including the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and others.
In the lungs, fibrosis causes thickening and scarring of the lung tissue, which can decrease the lungs' ability to function normally, including breathing. There are several types of pulmonary fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is of unknown cause, and fibrosis that results from certain diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure to harmful particles or gases (e.g., asbestos, cigarette smoke, exhaust gases ), pulmonary fibrosis resulting from autoimmune diseases or other conditions.
Would you be interested in learning more about cystic fibrosis? Check the contribution.
Fibrosis in other organs can cause different symptoms and complications depending on the affected organ. For example, liver fibrosis can lead to liver cirrhosis, and kidney fibrosis can lead to kidney failure.
The main symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, trouble sleeping, chest pain, and weight loss. Pulmonary fibrosis can progress gradually and lead to severe complications, including pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and death.
Treatment for fibrosis depends on the cause and severity of the condition and may include medications, physical therapy, oxygen therapy, organ transplantation, or other therapeutic options. It is also essential to manage the underlying cause and monitor the disease's progression under a doctor's supervision.
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