Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that affects the tissue deep in the lungs and causes scarring. The tissue in the lungs gets thick and stiff and makes it hard for a person to catch their breath; hence why so many people who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis need oxygen therapy. Since a patient cannot breathe, their bloodstream is not getting enough oxygen. The causes of pulmonary fibrosis include environmental pollution, particular medications, connective tissues diseases, and interstitial lung disease. The symptoms include shortness of breath, dry/hacking cough, fatigue, unknown weight loss, aching muscles and joints, and clubbing of the tips of fingers and toes.
Oxygen Always knows that being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis can be devastating and life changing, since there is no known cure for this disease. Patients can however, continue to live life peacefully and moderately comfortably through the use of a home or portable oxygen concentrator. Doctors and patients benefit from knowing the stages of pulmonary fibrosis and doctors can use these stages as guidelines for treatment.
The earliest stage of pulmonary fibrosis, Stage I, patients are at a relatively low risk of death in the first three years. Early death from pulmonary fibrosis is marked by wheezing and difficulty breathing. In fact, most patients believe they are suffering from a chest cold or bronchitis. Patients also cough up dark colored sputum and have difficulty breathing when they are laying down. Patients are less likely to gain short-term survival advantage from lung transplantation and are treated using therapeutic therapy.
Stage II of pulmonary fibrosis individuals are at an intermediate risk for death. This is usually the stage in which pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed. In this stage, people will begin to notice their chests tighten even during the shallowest of breathing, and they have difficulty catching their breath after coughing spells. Coughing fits can become increasingly more violent, their ribs can crack, and the muscles in the chest become strained. Although coughing may be helped through the use of a portable oxygen concentrator 24/7, patients should monitor their progression and see a doctor every three to six months. Patients should begin to consider lung transplantation and visit a lung transplant center for initial evaluations, and should begin the referral process.
Stage III patients with pulmonary fibrosis are at very high risk for death. All patients at this point should be referred urgently for lung transplantation. Patients who do not pass the lung transplant clinical should proceed with end-of-life planning and symptom management. In this final stage, patients struggle to breathe and gasp for air. Their faces, lips, and fingers may turn blue from the lack of oxygen. Breathing is heavily labored and can cause severe pain, most people do not last more than a week or two in this stage of the disease. The disease finally overwhelms people’s lungs, the lung loses its elasticity, and the airways narrow to a point that air can no longer move in and out without great effort.
One form of treatment and source of relief for people suffering from pulmonary fibrosis is through using an oxygen concentrator. If you or a loved one is suffering from this disease, Oxygen Always has a large selection of portable concentrators, lightly used oxygen concentrators, and home concentrators to fit everyone’s needs. Check out their website to find the perfect oxygen concentrator for your needs today!
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