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This lung disease is often associated with certain jobs such as miners,
welders, and construction workers. This is because inhaling dusts such
as coal dusts and asbestos can cause pulmonary fibrosis. It can also be
caused by genetics, meaning you were born with it. However, most commonly,
pulmonary fibrosis develops without any known cause. |
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Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease where scar tissue develops in the lungs following many infections and swelling. The scar tissue causes the lungs to become more stiff than normal. This means that the lungs cannot expand like normal, and therefore less air can get in and out of the lungs. This makes it very hard to breathe.
If inhaling dusts causes the fibrosis, the symptoms can sometimes be reversed
by removing the worker from the harmful environment or by using protective masks.
If the worker is exposed for a long period of time, the effects may be irreversible.
Genetic fibrosis or fibrosis caused by unknown causes, cannot be reversed.
Physical therapists can help teach you how to manage your disease and how you can decrease your risks of developing other complications. They can give you tips to help you breathe easier and increase your ability to perform your normal daily activities.
Here is a helpful link that gives more information on pulmonary fibrosis:
