Chronic pulmonary disease is associated with a litany of respiratory problems that can make it difficult to understand what you have and what to do to feel better.
Perhaps the most common pulmonary condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. However, pulmonary fibrosis is another common condition that sometimes gets overlooked in the shadow of COPD.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at both COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, their causes, commonalities and differences.
What is COPD?
Of respiratory problems, COPD most often stems from smoking cigarettes. While not as common, COPD may also be caused by air pollutants or a genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
COPD is characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis fall under the category of COPD.
COPD Symptoms
Within COPD respiratory problems, the most prevalent symptom is experiencing shortness of breath. While this is likely going to be worse after physical exertion, a person with COPD can even experience shortness of breath while lying down.
COPD patients might also experience feelings of anxiety or tightness in their chests.
Constant coughing is another indicator of COPD. Mucus build up is common in people with COPD, which creates a frequent need to cough.
Frequent respiratory infections are also associated with COPD. A person with COPD might regularly have pneumonia or bronchitis as a result of their disease.
What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Within respiratory problems, a person with pulmonary fibrosis will also feel short of breath, as both conditions have similar symptoms.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a different respiratory problem, however, in that a distinct characteristic of pulmonary fibrosis is the scarring of lung tissue. The scarring causes a person’s pulmonary passageways to thicken and harden, making it more difficult for oxygen to travel through the lungs’ walls and into the bloodstream.
Pulmonary fibrosis falls under the larger category of interstitial lung disease, or a lung disease that affects oxygen absorption into the lungs. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no known cause.
Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by on-the-job environmental toxins, such as silica dust, burn pits and herbicides. It can also be drug-induced, stemming from treatments such as radiation therapy, antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
Finally, pulmonary fibrosis can actually be genetic. In fact, it is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of pulmonary fibrosis patients have inherited the disorder. Of respiratory problems, it is more difficult to determine the cause of pulmonary fibrosis than it is for COPD.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms
Pulmonary fibrosis symptoms vary from person to person. Sometimes they can progress very quickly, while other people will experience moderate symptoms for years.
The most common complaint of people with pulmonary fibrosis is experiencing shortness of breath. Other common symptoms include: coughing, weakness, fatigue, achy joints and weight loss.
Treatment Options
Both COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are serious respiratory problems that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. While there is no cure for either condition, there are steps that can be taken to help manage symptoms, such as daily medications and oxygen therapy.
Please consult with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.
