Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition in which the lungs become scarred (tissues scar and thicken over time), makes difficulty in breathing. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IDP) affects the respiratory system and damages the alveoli (air sacs inside the lungs) and the connecting tissue in the lung. The actual cause of this condition is unknown. Hence it is termed as “idiopathic,” which means the cause is unknown, and it usually affects people around the age of 70 - 75, rarely under 50 years. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mostly affects men more than women.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of IPF differ from person to person, but some common symptoms include,
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Tiredness
- Chest discomfort
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Rounded and swollen fingertips (Clubbed fingers and toes)
Stages Of IPF:
No formal stages or categories are available for IPF; the medical professionals have organized the condition into different sections based on the symptoms of the patients, which include,
- Mild: In stage 1, the patient was recently diagnosed and may experience a dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and minimal symptoms with mild lung damage. The doctor will perform a pulmonary function or lung functioning test. Also, they perform a walk test to measure the shortness of breath while on activity.
- Moderate: In this 2nd stage, patients have increased lung damage with symptoms. The doctor may advise the patient to use oxygen and a pulse oximeter. Oxygen is needed only with the activity. Though this stage is hard to handle, the activity is much needed. They may experience more frequent shortness of breath and coughing, and their quality of life may be impacted.
- Severe: In this stage 3, patients have a low oxygen level and may require supplemental oxygen. Cough and fatigue will occur more often, creating difficulties in performing daily activities.
- Very severe: In this stage 4, patients have severe symptoms and lung damage, where the doctor will advise the patient to use high-flow oxygen. At this stage, their quality of life is severely impacted. They may require hospitalization and lung transplant evaluation.
Treatment:
There are various treatments available to slow the progression of the disease by improving symptoms, which include
- Medications: Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are the medicine used to slow down the progression of the condition by reducing inflammations. It also prevents acute exacerbation.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: This includes exercises and breathing techniques to manage the symptoms and improve daily activity. This program mainly focuses on nutritional counseling and support, educating about the condition, and physical activity with breathing techniques.
- Oxygen therapy: To decrease the shortness of breath while exercising. This improves the sleep routine and prevents the low blood oxygen level.
- Lung transplant: Patients with serious (advanced) IPF may have an option of a lung transplant, where the diseased lungs are replaced with healthy lungs from a donor.
Pirfetab 267mg tablet is used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It reduces the production and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, contributing to fibrosis and lung tissue stiffening. This helps to slow the progression of the disease and improve lung function. The common side effects of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, indigestion, headache, dizziness, skin reactions after exposure to sunlight, stomach pain, constipation, feeling bloated, heartburn.
