Pulmonary Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Pulmonary fibrosis refers to a medical condition that causes scarring in the lungs over time. The scarring in the lungs thickens with passage of time and makes it difficult for the person to breathe. Dry cough, weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue, and aching joints and muscles are a few signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. The risk factors associated with this medical condition include, smoking, cancer therapies, aging and genetic factors. Respiratory failure, high blood pressure, lung cancer and right-sided heart failure are some of the complications linked with pulmonary fibrosis. The diagnosis of this disease can be done by performing lung function tests, medical imaging and lung biopsy. There is no cure for this disease and medicines can aid in maintaining lung function and slow the progression of scarring. Staying active and receiving oxygen therapy may help to alleviate symptoms. This book strives to provide a fair idea about pulmonary fibrosis and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances in its clinical management. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers. Different evaluations and advanced studies on the mechanisms and diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis have been included in this book.