Fibrosis
Detailed view of Fibrosis
Introduction
Fibrosis is the formation of excess
fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue in a reparative or reactive
process. This can be a reactive, benign or pathological state. In response to injury,
this is called scarring and if fibrosis arises from a single cell line, this is
called a fibroma. Physiologically, fibrosis acts to deposit connective tissue
which can destroy the architecture and function of the underlying organ or
tissue. Fibrosis can be used to describe the pathological state of excess
deposition of fibrous tissue, as well as the process of connective tissue
deposition in healing. Defined by the pathological accumulation of
extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, fibrosis results in scarring and
thickening of the affected tissue, it is in essence an exaggerated wound
healing response that interferes with normal organ function.
The other name of Fibrosis is
Fibrotic scarring. It is an uncontrolled wound healing in which connective
tissue replaces normal parenchymal tissue to the extent that it goes unchecked,
leading to considerable tissue re-modelling and the formation of permanent scar
tissue. So, when fibrosis occurs in
response to injury, the term “scarring” is used.
Types
There are mainly three types of fibrosis
that occur in our body: Pulmonary fibrosis, Liver cirrhosis and Cardiac
fibrosis.
1.
Pulmonary
fibrosis: it refers to a number of conditions that causes interstitial lung
damage followed by fibrosis and ultimately loss of lung elasticity. This type of
fibrosis produces further problems such as persistent cough, chest pain,
difficulty in breathing and fatigue or weight loss, aching muscles and joints. But
these conditions vary from person to person. Some people become ill very quickly but
some others take much time as over months or years. It may occur as a secondary
condition in various other diseases but in some conditions, the underlying
cause is not clear so in such situations idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is used.
This type of condition may occur in the later stage approximately between 50 to
70 years. This condition appears in male and female equally. A high resolution
CT scan shortly known as HRCT shows how much scarring is in the lungs. Some of
the risk factors of pulmonary fibrosis are:
1. The situations
that increase the risk of damage of lung
2. Smoking
3. Gastroesophageal
reflux disease
4. Tuberculosis
and/or pneumonia
It is true in many cases that pulmonary fibrosis can be
managed with a condition of preventive measures and medications but in some
cases patient may require lung transplantation.
2.
Liver cirrhosis: Cirrhosis refers to the scar tissue and swellings that
replace liver tissue and disrupt liver function. The condition is usually
caused by alcoholism, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Every
time the liver undergoes stress or injury, it tries to regenerate and produces
scar tissue in the process. As the scar tissue builds up, the liver function gets
worse in condition and when cirrhosis is advanced, the liver no longer works
properly. Cirrhosis does not give rise to symptoms until the
damage has become extensive, at which point it may cause a wide range of
symptoms. It also does not give rise to symptoms until the damage has become
large. If liver cirrhosis is detected and diagnosed during the early stages of
the disease, any further damage to the liver may be prevented. Treatment
depends on the stage of the disease and the underlying cause of the cirrhosis
but the overall goal is to slow development of the disease and relieve
symptoms. If liver cirrhosis is advanced, a liver transplant may be the only
option for some patients. But before transplantation, it is necessary to ensure
that they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.
Each time your liver is injured due to any disease,
alcohol consumption or maybe other cause, it tries to repair itself. During the
process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue
forms, making it difficult for the liver to function which may be called decompensated
cirrhosis. It is Advanced Cirrhosis that may be life-threatening.
The liver damage done by cirrhosis generally cannot be
undone but if liver cirrhosis diagnosed at the appropriate time and the cause is
treated, further damage can be avoided and sometimes reversed. Unfortunately,
the signs and symptoms do not appear until liver damage is on a large scale. But
when the symptoms appear, the most common symptoms are Fatigue, bleeding even
on a mild scar or bruising, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling in legs, weight
loss etc. But these conditions also vary from person to person.
3.
Cardiac
fibrosis: The heart that becomes damaged due to myocardial infarction may
undergo fibrosis. Cardiac fibrosis can
affect the valves in the heart as well as the muscle which becomes stiff and
less compliant and sometimes cause heart failure. This can increase the
risk of heart failure. Fibrocytes usually secrete collagen and are therefore
essential for structural support of the heart. However, when these cells are
over-activated, fibrosis and thickening of the tricuspid valve and pulmonary
valve can occur. This loss of flexibility in the valves can eventually cause
valvular dysfunction and heart failure. This term may also refer to an abnormal
thickening of the heart valves.
Diagnosis
To diagnose, the doctor may review your
medical and family history, discuss your signs and symptoms and conduct a
physical examination. The doctor may also use stethoscope to listen to your lungs
while you breathe. Some tests may also be suggested by your doctor as Chest
X-ray, CT scan and Echocardiogram. These all are related to your chest, if
still he or she may doubt then he or she suggests you for lung tests as Pulmonary
functioning testing, Pulse oximetry, Exercise stress test and Arterial blood
gas test.
If other tests have not diagnosed the
condition, the doctor may remove a small portion of lung tissue (biopsy). The
biopsy may further examined in the laboratory to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis. There
are mainly two ways Bronchoscopy and Surgical biopsy.
In Bronchoscopy, doctors use a small,
flexible tube known as bronchoscope that passes through the mouth or nose into
the lungs. The other method is Surgical biopsy. In this doctors use Video-Assisted
Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) or open
surgery (thoracotomy). In a VATS, doctors insert surgical instruments and a
small camera through two or three small incisions between ribs. Through the
camera, the doctor can see lungs on a video monitor while removing tissue samples
from lungs. All the procedures are performed after given general anaesthesia to
a patient. The other method under Surgical biopsy is open surgery or
thoracotomy. In this, the surgeon removes a lung sample through an incision in
the chest between ribs. These procedures also performed after given general
anaesthesia.
The last test that your doctor
suggests you may be the blood test. Through blood test doctor evaluates your
liver and kidney function.
Treatment
Due
to the involvement of multiple organ systems, fibrosis can be a complex disease
to manage. Patients need immediate attention to respiratory implications such
as lung infection, thick sticky mucus and intestinal implications such as
intestinal blockage, nutrition and dehydration. Though treatment depends on a
multitude factors like the severity of the disease and the overall health of
the patient, some of the commonly used are:
Medications
Airway
clearance: To remove the plugged mucous
Pulmonology
rehabilitation: To improve lung function and
health including activities like physical exercise, breathing techniques and
nutritional counselling. Rehabilitation may involve chest physical therapy,
energy-conserving techniques and psychological counselling.
Lung
transplant is
suggested in severe cases, if required.
Home remedies
Cod Liver Oil
Cod
liver oil contains fatty acids called omega-3 so it is helpful for the smooth
functioning for the processing of the body. It is good for the lungs, heart,
depression and arthritis but there is no scientific evidence. Its fatty acids
are helpful to prevent blood clotting, pain and swelling. It contains vitamin
A and vitamin D so it alleviates the inflammation of the lungs. It helps to
minimize the symptoms of pulmonary fibroids. Taking cod liver oil from the mouth is
effective for High and Lower blood pressure. It is also helpful for kidney
disease and type 2 diabetes. It is effective for Osteoarthritis.
Smoking
Smoking
is one of the main causes of the development of fibrosis. It is widely known
that smoking significantly causes extreme damage to the lungs. Therefore, it is
important to quit inhaling smoke in every possible form. Reducing smoking can
majorly reduce the risk of developing the condition of fibrosis. Smoking causes
a major problem known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus generally known as HIV. In
a year the death rate due to smoking is also mainly from Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease also known as COPD. A new study tells us that smoking
increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer both in men
and women. It also affects the heart as well as blood vessels also known as
cardiovascular disease. The reason for that the smoking damages blood vessels
and can make them thicken and grow narrower. This makes your heart beat faster
and your blood pressure go up. A stroke occurs when the clot blocks the blood
flow to your brain and a blood vessel in or around your brain burst.
Baking soda
Baking
soda is an effective home remedy to relieve discomfort caused due to fibrosis.
For this remedy, you need to mix one tablespoon of baking soda powder
with a glass of water and drink it before every meal. Due to overeating
sometimes there is a problem of heartburn or acid reflux or simply call
acidity. Baking soda treats acidity by making the body alkaline. Baking soda
water promotes digestion and eliminates toxins from the body. It stops
heartburn also known as acid reflux. It is a painful, burning sensation that
arises in the upper region of the stomach and can reach up to the esophagus. A
few common causes of reflux are overeating, eating with stress and eating
greasy or spicy foods. Baking soda is the solution to all these problems.
Water
It
is important to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can protect your body from the
risk of developing various diseases along with fibrosis. Consumption of water
eliminates toxins from the body. A toxin-free body is at a lower risk of
developing fibrosis. You can also drink other healthy fluids such as fruit
juices to clean the organs of your body. A lack of water can cause blood to
become thicker that increase blood pressure.
Self-Care
·
Avoid
drinking alcohol.
·
Quit
smoking.
·
Practice
deep breathing exercises.
· Exercise regularly.
Summary
Fibrosis
is a life-threatening condition and must not be taken lightly. While it may be
difficult to resolve this condition, you can slow down its movement and reduce
the severity of its symptoms by following the tips and natural remedies.
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