Internal Medicine

Life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis

introduction

The life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis depends on many different factors. Basically, the time of diagnosis is important, although the diagnosis is favorable if there is still little damage to the lung structure. In addition, the age of the patient, his other underlying diseases and the extent and previous progression of the damage are decisive.

A distinction must be made whether the connective tissue remodeling of the lungs is secondary (due to a known underlying disease), or whether it is a so-called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in which the trigger is unknown. The course of the disease depends on the form, and so does the prognosis. For example, if the cause is sarcoid and treatment is started early, regression may be achieved.
If the cause is pollution (e.g. inhalation of tobacco smoke) or contact with certain allergens (e.g. mold in the house), consistent avoidance of these substances can also lead to a regression of the disease. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the prognosis is less favorable due to the unknown trigger, although certain drugs can have a positive effect on the course.

Life expectancy with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease of the lungs, the cause of which is unknown. The therapeutic options are improving and are the subject of current research. However, the prognosis is poor and drug therapy is limited. The median survival time after diagnosis is three to five years. The five-year survival rate is 20% to 40%.

What has a positive influence on life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis?

Life expectancy can be positively influenced primarily by quitting smoking. This is essential in the context of treatment.
Other pollutants such as Bird feathers, mold, wet hay, asbestos, metal dust, etc. should be avoided. If medication for the development of pulmonary fibrosis comes into question, these should also be discontinued after consultation with the doctor.

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In addition, a connection with a specialist in pulmonology (lung specialist) makes sense over the entire treatment period, for example to regularly check the lung function. In addition, physical activity, ideally in a so-called "lung sports group" with appropriate supervision, has a positive effect.
If necessary, there is also the possibility of rehabilitation. If, in addition to pulmonary fibrosis, there are also infections of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, these should be treated promptly and consistently. The disease can also be positively influenced by medication. Among other things, cortisone, immunosuppressants and specific drugs against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are available here.

A vaccination against pneumococci and seasonally against influenza is recommended to avoid infections as a burden on the damaged lungs. Depending on how the current lung function test turns out, long-term oxygen therapy (LOT) can help. Lung transplantation may be considered to improve the prognosis in very seriously ill patients who meet certain criteria.

What has a negative impact on life expectancy with pulmonary fibrosis?

Basically, smoking has an extremely negative effect on the progression of the disease. Continued contact with the triggering pollutants, if these are known (e.g.Asbestos, metal dust, mold, etc.), ensures a further and possibly faster progression of the disease.
The later the diagnosis is made, the worse the prognosis. If the disease progresses for a long time before the diagnosis, the damage to the lungs and the remodeling of the tissue is more advanced. An unknown cause / illness (in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) is also unfavorable with regard to the course and life expectancy.

If infections are not or not adequately treated in an existing disease, this can lead to a significant deterioration in lung function and the prognosis. If there are other underlying diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this can also have a negative impact. Radiation or chemotherapy required as part of cancer therapy can also represent an additional burden.