The main symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lesions are shortness of breath, dry cough, and fatigue. Treatment includes medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease with an unclear etiology, but it may be related to factors such as genetics, environmental exposure, and autoimmune responses. Lung tissue is gradually replaced by fibrotic tissue, leading to a gradual loss of lung function.
1. Dyspnea is one of the main symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Patients often experience shortness of breath, especially during activity. As the disease progresses, dyspnea may gradually worsen, even occurring at rest. In terms of treatment, oxygen therapy is an effective way to relieve dyspnea. By inhaling high concentrations of oxygen, blood oxygen saturation can be increased, alleviating symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation training can also help patients improve respiratory function and enhance physical strength.
2. Dry cough is another common symptom of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Patients usually have no sputum or only a small amount of sputum. Dry cough may persist and severely affect quality of life. Drug treatment is an important means of controlling dry cough. Commonly used drugs include glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and antifibrotic drugs. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone can reduce the inflammatory response, immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide can inhibit the excessive response of the immune system, and antifibrotic drugs such as pirfenidone and nintedanib can slow the progression of fibrosis.
3. Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Patients often feel physically weak and experience a decline in their daily activity levels. Fatigue may be related to hypoxia, inflammatory responses, and the disease itself. In terms of treatment, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation training are effective methods to relieve fatigue. Oxygen therapy can improve blood oxygen levels and alleviate hypoxia symptoms; pulmonary rehabilitation training, through planned exercise, enhances the patient's physical strength and endurance.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible lung disease. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Patients should have regular lung function tests, follow their doctor's instructions for medication and rehabilitation training, and avoid exposure to harmful environmental factors such as smoking, dust, and chemicals. Through comprehensive treatment and good self-management, patients can effectively control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.