Introduction
Life expectancy in pulmonary fibrosis depends on many different factors. Basically, the time of diagnosis is important, although the diagnosis with still little damage to the lung skeleton is favorable. In addition, the age of the patient, his or her other underlying diseases and the extent and previous progression of the damage are decisive.
A distinction must be made as to whether the connective tissue remodeling of the lung 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 is different depending on the form and thus the prognosis. For example, if the cause is sarcoidosis and treatment is started early, a regression may be achieved.
If the cause is a pollution (e.g. inhalation of tobacco smoke) or contact with certain allergens (e.g. mould in the house), the 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 medications can have a favorable influence on the course of the disease.
Life expectancy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease of the lung, the cause of which is unknown. The therapeutic options are improving and are the subject of current research. However, the prognosis is unfavorable and drug therapy is limited. The mean survival time after diagnosis is three to five years. The five-year survival rate is 20% to 40%.
What positively influences life expectancy in pulmonary fibrosis?
Life expectancy can be positively influenced primarily by stopping smoking. This is essentially important in the context of treatment. Other harmful substances such as bird feathers, mold, wet hay, asbestos, metal dust, etc.
should also be avoided. If medication is being considered for the development of pulmonary fibrosis, it should also be discontinued after consultation with the doctor. You may also be interested in the following topic: Quitting smoking – but how?
It is also advisable to consult a specialist in pneumology (lung specialist) for the entire treatment period, for example to check lung function regularly. In addition, physical activity, ideally in a so-called “lung sports group” with appropriate supervision, has a positive effect. There may also be the possibility of rehabilitation.
If, in addition to pulmonary fibrosis, infections of the respiratory tract occur, for example pneumonia, these should be treated early and consistently. The disease can also be positively influenced by medication. Cortisone, immunosuppressive drugs and specific medication for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are available.
Vaccination against pneumococcus and seasonal influenza is recommended to avoid infections as a burden to the damaged lung. Depending on the results of the current lung function test, long-term oxygen therapy (LOT) may help. Lung transplantation may be considered to improve the prognosis in very severely ill patients who meet certain criteria.
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