HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Lung fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
Matenga whakamōtī pūkahukahu
Lung fibrosis is a condition in which hard scar tissue forms in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. The scar tissue forms around the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs making your lungs stiff. People with lung fibrosis often have a dry cough. Lung fibrosis is also called pulmonary fibrosis.
Lung fibrosis may be caused by breathing in substances such as grain dust, mined silica (sand is not harmful), asbestos or bird droppings. Other causes include radiation treatment and certain medicines (such as nitrofurantoin and amiodarone). Other conditions such as sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause it. Often there is no obvious cause (this is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis).
People who have worked in farming, mining or construction are particularly at risk. So are people who smoke.
Diagnosing lung fibrosis
If you are worried that you might have lung fibrosis, speak to your general practice team. They will examine you and may order tests such as a chest X-ray and blood tests. They may also arrange a spirometry test, which tests how well your lungs are working. You may need to see a specialist at the hospital who may arrange for you to have a CT scan or bronchoscopy.
Treating lung fibrosis
Your treatment will depend on what has caused your lung fibrosis. If it has been caused by something you have breathed in, it is important to stop this happening any more. If the cause is related to your workplace, your doctor may need to involve ACC and WorkSafe New Zealand.
In some cases, there are treatments that may slow down its progress or ease your symptoms. These include oral steroids (prednisone). Medicines that suppress your immune system (also called immunosuppressants) may also be used.
Unfortunately, for many people the condition gets worse and cannot be reversed.
Self-care for lung fibrosis
If you have been diagnosed with lung fibrosis, it is important not to smoke. You should eat well and to get a flu vaccination every year.
You should also keep up to date with COVID-19 booster vaccinations.
If you are breathless, ask your general practice team to refer you to the Canterbury Better Breathing Programme.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- CanBreathe
CanBreathe helps people with respiratory conditions by offering education, information, resources and support.
- Mayo Clinic – Pulmonary fibrosis
Information about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors for lung fibrosis. Also, treatment and lifestyle measures for people living with the condition.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2024.
SourcesReview key: HILUF-289286
