Patient's question:
Recently, I've been experiencing chest pain and tightness in my chest. The hospital examination suggested a respiratory disease, but the medication hasn't been very effective. Recently, my cough has worsened. Could it be pulmonary fibrosis in the elderly?Doctor's answer:
There are several causes of pulmonary fibrosis, primarily characterized by progressively worsening dyspnea. Another common symptom is a mild, irritating cough, which can be quite severe. It may also manifest as symmetrical enlargement of both pleural cavities and elevation of the flattened diaphragm in the chest. In later stages, fluid accumulation and cyanosis may reappear, and oxygen therapy does not significantly stabilize the fluid accumulation. For treatment, corticosteroids are the first-line approach. They can modulate inflammation and immune function, helping to stabilize symptoms. Lung transplantation is currently an increasingly used method for treating pulmonary fibrosis.