Attention to Pulmonary Fibrosis!

Early diagnosis saves lives in pulmonary fibrosis! In a statement made within the scope of World Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Week, the Respiratory Society (TÜSAD) drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis and differential diagnosis in IPF, which is frequently confused with other lung diseases. TÜSAD warned patients diagnosed with IPF not to neglect their medications and recommended that they get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19. World Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Week has been designated for 14-21 September this year to raise awareness of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF – pulmonary fibrosis), also known as lung stiffening, and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. In a statement made within this scope, the Turkish Society for Respiratory Research (TÜSAD) issued warnings particularly regarding early diagnosis of IPF. This is because symptoms of IPF can be confused with other diseases. Yet early diagnosis in IPF saves lives.

PAY ATTENTION TO SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND DRY COUGH!

In a statement made by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Funda Coşkun, Head of the Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases and Pulmonary Vascular Diseases Working Group of TÜSAD, the symptoms that help understand the disease were listed as follows: "IPF occurs more frequently in elderly male patients. This disease, which is generally seen more often in people over 60 years of age and in men, has an incidence of 5 per 100,000 in Turkey. Individuals with a smoking history are among high-risk groups. The most important symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath and dry cough."

SYMPTOMS CAN BE CONFUSED

Coşkun, drawing attention to the fact that IPF, known among the public as lung stiffening, is a rare disease and that there are many IPF patients who remain undiagnosed in society, provided the following information: "IPF is frequently confused with other chest diseases affecting the airways. IPF patients often receive late diagnosis. As specialists, we recommend that in patients who do not improve with current treatments, IPF should definitely be considered and investigated. Chest X-ray, thoracic tomography, blood tests and diffusion testing are among the methods used for early and differential diagnosis. In some of our patients, lung biopsy and bronchoscopy may be necessary for differential diagnosis. Early and differential diagnosis in IPF is very, very important and life-saving."

MEDICATION USE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Noting that IPF has no definitive cure and that lifespan and comfort can be improved through medications, Coşkun issued the following warnings regarding treatments to be applied to patients diagnosed with IPF: "After the diagnostic stage, treatment of the disease begins with medications that slow down or halt the progression of the disease. For suitable patients, the option of lung transplantation should be particularly evaluated. Since IPF was among chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic period, we strongly recommend that our patients get vaccinated and strictly adhere to their routine treatments and medications."