Pulmonary fibrosis: A rare disease that may have a slower progression

the campaign “Wanted for suspected pulmonary fibrosis“, which launches on Thursday, aims to raise awareness of a rare disease whose progression may be slower, the earlier it is diagnosed, the president said on Wednesday. Portuguese Society of Pulmonology.

“Pulmonary fibrosis exists and it is not just one disease, but rather a group of diseases that have in common that they are chronic and progressive diseases. With appropriate treatment, the progression is slower, and therefore, It is necessary to make an early diagnosis “Treatment should be applied as soon as possible,” Antonio Moraes said.

In an interview with Lusa, the president of the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology warned against this The progression of this disease is irreversiblehighlighting warnings for early diagnosis.

He stressed, “When we diagnose, we cannot restore what the patient has lost so far in respiratory function (…). But the diagnosis will at least allow the disease to progress more slowly from then on.”

What are the symptoms?

In addition to being poorly diagnosed due to lack of knowledge, pulmonary fibrosis also has non-specific symptoms. In the early stage of the disease, patients experience a slight decrease in their ability to exert effort, allowing them independence and quality of life. But with progress, associated with a decline in that same ability and a feeling of suffocation, limitations and dependence tend to become increasingly concentrated.

that it It is a disease consideredcompetitor“Both for patients, family members and caregiversBecause basic daily tasks, such as walking short distances, lifting weights, or doing housework, present great difficulties for patients.

“This campaign targets patients, but also healthcare professionals, so that they are aware of the symptoms and do not ignore a rare but existing disease“, added the doctor.

Antonio Moraes admits that anyone facing non-specific or widespread complaints should first think about other diseases, those that are more common, but asks: “Keep studying because there are more hypotheses“.

In a call to all health professionals, especially family doctors, The specialist called for attention to symptoms such as dry cough and fatigue.

Antonio Moraes indicated to Losa that international data indicate a diagnosis of the infection 20 to 30 patients per 100,000 per year.

The president of the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology believes that Portugal is suffering from the spread of the disease “A little bigger“Because one type of fibrosis is stimulated by antigens known as those found in fungi or birds.

“Most of these diseases have an unknown cause, but one of them is caused by known antigens. We are a society that has many domestic animals, especially birds, and we have many animal keepers, and there are areas, especially in the north, where there is a humid climate that makes “It’s easy to have fungi in the house.”

the campaign “Wanted for suspected pulmonary fibrosis“They will be released Portuguese Lung Foundationby the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology and breathesSupported by Boehringer Ingelheim.