How to Prevent Pulmonary Fibrosis

How to Prevent Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring, stiffening, and thickening (fibrosis) that develops over time in lung tissue (pulmonary tissue). At first, this may cause shortness of breath and a dry cough. Over time, symptoms often become more serious and complications may occur.

There are many different causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Sometimes the cause is not known. You may not be able to entirely prevent pulmonary fibrosis, but you may be able to reduce your risk by:

  • Avoiding pollutants.
  • Protecting your lungs.
  • Making lifestyle changes.
  • Managing conditions that may lead to pulmonary fibrosis.

How can pulmonary fibrosis affect me?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious condition. Once you have this condition, it tends to get worse (progress) gradually over several years and may lead to:

  • Collapsed lung.
  • Infection of your lungs (pneumonia).
  • Blood clots in the lungs.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Inability of your heart to pump blood (heart failure).
  • A condition in which the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen or remove excess carbon dioxide (respiratory failure).

What actions can I take to prevent this condition?

Avoid pollutants

Protect yourself from breathing harmful dusts. Harmful dusts include grain, wood, soil, coal, silica, and asbestos. To protect yourself from these dusts:

  • Know which types of dust you may be exposed to.
  • Avoid working in dusty areas when possible.
  • Work in an area with good air circulation (ventilation).
  • Wet down work areas to reduce dust when possible.
  • Use an approved respirator mask.
  • Do not eat, drink, or take breaks in dusty areas.
  • Wash your hands and face or shower after work.
  • Change into clean clothes before going home.
  • Do not park your car near areas that may be affected by dust.

Protect your lungs

Take steps to protect yourself from lung infections:

  • Stay up to date on all vaccines. This includes the flu (influenza) and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccines.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick with flu or cold symptoms.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Use a disinfectant to regularly clean surfaces at home and at work.
  • Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night.
  • Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

Make lifestyle changes

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke.

General information

  • If you have heartburn, or GERD, work with your health care provider to treat your condition. This may include taking medicines and making changes to your diet.
  • Ask your health care provider whether your medicines put you at risk for pulmonary fibrosis. This is especially important if you have seizures, heart disease, or cancer. Talk with your health care provider about other treatments that may work for you.

Where to find more information

Learn more about pulmonary fibrosis from:

Summary

  • You may be able to lower your risk for pulmonary fibrosis by avoiding pollutants, protecting your lungs, making lifestyle changes, and managing conditions that may lead to pulmonary fibrosis.
  • If you work or spend time around harmful dusts, take precautions to avoid inhaling dust.
  • Protecting your lungs from infections can help you stay healthy and may reduce your risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of pulmonary fibrosis and other serious lung conditions.
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