Can pleurisy lead to lung scarring? Explore the symptoms, treatment, causes, and recovery time for pleurisy and related lung conditions.

Understanding Lung Scarring and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Scarring on the lung tissue can cause it to thicken and lose elasticity, a condition doctors refer to as pulmonary fibrosis. This can occur due to various health conditions and exposure to hazardous materials. Lung scars are permanent, and while small scars may not cause noticeable symptoms, extensive scarring can make it difficult for a person to breathe by affecting the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a long-term condition where lung scarring gradually worsens over time, which can be life-threatening. This condition typically affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years, with an incidence of 13-20 people per 100,000 worldwide.

Causes and Risk Factors of Lung Scarring

Several conditions and factors can lead to lung scarring, including:

• Interstitial lung disease, which involves inflammation of the air sacs or the surrounding web of tissue in the lungs
• Previous viral infections or pneumonia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
• Smoking
• Older age
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Exposure to asbestos or silica
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy to the chest cavity
• In some cases, a family history of the disease

Symptoms of Lung Scarring

The symptoms of lung scarring depend on the extent of the scarring and how much of the lung it affects. Common symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity
• Persistent dry cough
• Fatigue
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Rounded and swollen fingertips and nails (clubbing)
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats

Diagnosing Lung Scarring

To diagnose lung scarring, a doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about the individual’s medical history, smoking habits, and potential exposure to pollutants. They may then perform various tests, including:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• Echocardiogram (EKG) to assess heart function
• Lung function tests
• Pulse oximetry and other tests to measure oxygen levels in the blood
• Tissue sample or biopsy

Treatment and Management of Lung Scarring

As with scars on the skin, lung scars are permanent and cannot be removed. However, the lungs are resilient, and small scars often do not cause adverse effects. Proper diagnosis and monitoring of the scars are key to effective treatment.

For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the only current cure is a lung transplant. However, doctors can prescribe medications like pirfenidone (Esbriet) and nintedanib (Ofev) to help slow the progression of the disease and prevent flares. As the disease worsens, the patient may require supplemental oxygen and, in some cases, a transplant recommendation.

Can Pleurisy Cause Lung Scarring?

Pleurisy, a condition that involves inflammation of the pleural lining surrounding the lungs, can potentially lead to lung scarring in some cases. The inflammation and irritation of the pleural lining can, over time, cause the formation of scar tissue within the lungs. However, pleurisy does not always result in permanent lung scarring, and the extent of scarring can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pleurisy.

Preventing and Managing Lung Scarring

While some causes of lung scarring, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, are not entirely preventable, there are steps individuals can take to reduce the risk and manage the condition:

• Avoiding exposure to known lung irritants, such as smoking, asbestos, and silica
• Treating underlying conditions that can contribute to lung scarring, such as GERD or viral infections
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Seeking prompt medical attention for any persistent respiratory symptoms
• Closely following the treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management of lung scarring, individuals can take proactive steps to preserve their lung health and quality of life.

Lung scarring and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Scars on the lung tissue cause it to thicken and lose elasticity. Doctors call this pulmonary fibrosis and it can occur due to certain health conditions and exposure to hazardous materials.

Lung scars can result from illness or medical treatment, and they are permanent.

Small scars may not cause noticeable symptoms, but extensive scarring can make it hard for a person to breathe, as it can affect the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs may not receive the oxygen that they need.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a long-term condition in which lung scarring becomes gradually worse. It can be life threatening.

In this article, we look at why lung scarring happens and discuss some of the treatment options available.

Share on PinterestA person with lung scarring may experience a dry cough.

Several conditions can cause scarring of the lungs.

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease involves inflammation of the air sacs or the web of tissue (interstitium) that surrounds them in the lungs. The inflammation can sometimes cause scar tissue to build up within the lungs, resulting in fibrosis.

Learn more here about interstitial lung disease.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common type of interstitial lung disease. If doctors describe a condition as idiopathic, this means that they do not know exactly what causes it.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis typically appears between the ages of 50 and 70 years. It affects 13–20 people in every 100,000 worldwide, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Other causes and risk factors

Other risk factors include:

• previous viral infection or pneumonia
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
• smoking
• older age
• tuberculosis (TB)
• exposure to asbestos or silica
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy to the chest cavity

In some cases, there may be a family history of the disease.

Some people experience exacerbations, during which symptoms suddenly worsen. These last for a while and then resolve. Exposure to triggers, such as tobacco smoke, may cause a flare.

What do the lungs do?

The scarring of lung tissue makes it thick and stiff. As the lung tissue thickens, it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to transfer oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs may not receive enough oxygen.

The symptoms depend on the amount of scarring and how much of the lung it affects, but they may include:

shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity

• a persistent dry cough
• tiredness
• weight loss and loss of appetite
• rounded and swollen fingertips and nails (clubbing)
• fever
• chills
• night sweats

Scarring may also increase the risk of lung cancer.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not be noticeable at first, but they tend to develop and worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Eventually, pulmonary hypertension or respiratory failure can develop, both of which can be life threatening because they prevent oxygen from reaching the body’s organs.

Many factors can lead to a cough or breathlessness, and many conditions can result in lung scarring.

Anyone who has concerns about breathing symptoms should seek medical help. A doctor will carry out a physical examination.

They will ask the person about:

• individual and family medical history
• smoking habits
• possible exposure to pollutants, such as asbestos

After this, the doctor may carry out some tests, such as:

• X-rays
• a CT scan
• an echocardiogram (EKG) to assess heart function
• lung function tests
• pulse oximetry and other tests to measure oxygen levels in the blood
• a tissue sample or biopsy

They may also carry out specific tests to rule out other conditions, such as TB.

As with scars on the skin, scars on the lung are permanent. It is not usually possible to remove them. The lungs are resilient, however, and small scars often do not cause any adverse effects.

Proper diagnosis and monitoring of the scars is key to treatment.

Scars that remain unchanged for 2 years or more are not usually a cause for concern. However, if they spread, they could indicate pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Currently, a lung transplant is the only cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, a doctor can prescribe medications to help slow the progression of the disease and prevent flares. Pirfenidone (Esbriet) and nintedanib (Ofev) are two drugs that have proven effective.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe. They can also worsen during a flare. In these cases, a person may need to spend time in the hospital. Treatment will include supplemental oxygen to support the person’s breathing.

Occasionally, a doctor may recommend a transplant. This procedure can cure the condition, but the person will need to take medications for the rest of their life.

Lifestyle tips that may help prevent or relieve symptoms include:

• quitting smoking, if applicable, or avoiding secondhand smoke
• eating a healthful and varied diet
• doing regular exercise
• maintaining a moderate weight to improve breathing capacity
• taking precautions to avoid catching infections from others
• avoiding exposure to pollutants and dust

It is important to talk to a doctor before making any significant lifestyle or dietary changes. A doctor can advise on a suitable exercise regimen, for example.

The outlook for pulmonary fibrosis varies among individuals and depends partly on a person’s age and overall health. The person will need regular assessments.

In the past, only about 50% of people who received a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lived another 3 years, while close to 20% lived another 5 years.

However, new medications may slow the progression of the condition and reduce the risk of death in the first few years after diagnosis. Doctors hope that the outlook will continue to improve.

Lung scarring and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Scars on the lung tissue cause it to thicken and lose elasticity. Doctors call this pulmonary fibrosis and it can occur due to certain health conditions and exposure to hazardous materials.

Lung scars can result from illness or medical treatment, and they are permanent.

Small scars may not cause noticeable symptoms, but extensive scarring can make it hard for a person to breathe, as it can affect the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs may not receive the oxygen that they need.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a long-term condition in which lung scarring becomes gradually worse. It can be life threatening.

In this article, we look at why lung scarring happens and discuss some of the treatment options available.

Share on PinterestA person with lung scarring may experience a dry cough.

Several conditions can cause scarring of the lungs.

Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease involves inflammation of the air sacs or the web of tissue (interstitium) that surrounds them in the lungs. The inflammation can sometimes cause scar tissue to build up within the lungs, resulting in fibrosis.

Learn more here about interstitial lung disease.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common type of interstitial lung disease. If doctors describe a condition as idiopathic, this means that they do not know exactly what causes it.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis typically appears between the ages of 50 and 70 years. It affects 13–20 people in every 100,000 worldwide, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Other causes and risk factors

Other risk factors include:

• previous viral infection or pneumonia
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux
• smoking
• older age
• tuberculosis (TB)
• exposure to asbestos or silica
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy to the chest cavity

In some cases, there may be a family history of the disease.

Some people experience exacerbations, during which symptoms suddenly worsen. These last for a while and then resolve. Exposure to triggers, such as tobacco smoke, may cause a flare.

What do the lungs do?

The scarring of lung tissue makes it thick and stiff. As the lung tissue thickens, it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to transfer oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs may not receive enough oxygen.

The symptoms depend on the amount of scarring and how much of the lung it affects, but they may include:

shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity

• a persistent dry cough
• tiredness
• weight loss and loss of appetite
• rounded and swollen fingertips and nails (clubbing)
• fever
• chills
• night sweats

Scarring may also increase the risk of lung cancer.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not be noticeable at first, but they tend to develop and worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Eventually, pulmonary hypertension or respiratory failure can develop, both of which can be life threatening because they prevent oxygen from reaching the body’s organs.

Many factors can lead to a cough or breathlessness, and many conditions can result in lung scarring.

Anyone who has concerns about breathing symptoms should seek medical help. A doctor will carry out a physical examination.

They will ask the person about:

• individual and family medical history
• smoking habits
• possible exposure to pollutants, such as asbestos

After this, the doctor may carry out some tests, such as:

• X-rays
• a CT scan
• an echocardiogram (EKG) to assess heart function
• lung function tests
• pulse oximetry and other tests to measure oxygen levels in the blood
• a tissue sample or biopsy

They may also carry out specific tests to rule out other conditions, such as TB.

As with scars on the skin, scars on the lung are permanent. It is not usually possible to remove them. The lungs are resilient, however, and small scars often do not cause any adverse effects.

Proper diagnosis and monitoring of the scars is key to treatment.

Scars that remain unchanged for 2 years or more are not usually a cause for concern. However, if they spread, they could indicate pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Currently, a lung transplant is the only cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, a doctor can prescribe medications to help slow the progression of the disease and prevent flares. Pirfenidone (Esbriet) and nintedanib (Ofev) are two drugs that have proven effective.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms can become more severe. They can also worsen during a flare. In these cases, a person may need to spend time in the hospital. Treatment will include supplemental oxygen to support the person’s breathing.

Occasionally, a doctor may recommend a transplant. This procedure can cure the condition, but the person will need to take medications for the rest of their life.

Lifestyle tips that may help prevent or relieve symptoms include:

• quitting smoking, if applicable, or avoiding secondhand smoke
• eating a healthful and varied diet
• doing regular exercise
• maintaining a moderate weight to improve breathing capacity
• taking precautions to avoid catching infections from others
• avoiding exposure to pollutants and dust

It is important to talk to a doctor before making any significant lifestyle or dietary changes. A doctor can advise on a suitable exercise regimen, for example.

The outlook for pulmonary fibrosis varies among individuals and depends partly on a person’s age and overall health. The person will need regular assessments.

In the past, only about 50% of people who received a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lived another 3 years, while close to 20% lived another 5 years.

However, new medications may slow the progression of the condition and reduce the risk of death in the first few years after diagnosis. Doctors hope that the outlook will continue to improve.

Pulmonologists assessed the risk of scarring in the lungs after COVID-19 – RBC

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

Hide banners

What is your location ?

YesChoose other

Categories

Euro exchange rate on July 15
EUR CB: 101.2

(+0.52)

Investments, 14 Jul, 16:09

Dollar exchange rate on July 15
USD Central Bank: 90.12

(-0. 06)

Investments, 14 Jul, 16:09

Ten new buildings in Moscow near the beaches

RBC and PIK, 10:23

The police found the missing boys in Krasnoyarsk

Society, 10:20

1.2 thousand cars got stuck in a traffic jam near the Crimean bridge

Society, 10:13

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

The brain has no gender: is there a female logic

Pro, 10:09

In the Crimea, the movement of ferries and boats was restored

Society, 10:01

Skiing in January, roses in May: things to do in Krasnaya Polyana

RBC and LADA, 10:01

How changes in GDP were associated with income inequality. infographics

Economics, 10:00

Do you see a competitor in ChatGPT?

Learn how to turn a neural network into an assistant in the new intensive RBC Pro

Buy intensive

The Israeli army used artificial intelligence for airstrikes

Politics, 09:59

In Taiwan, 28 people were injured in the explosion at the fair

Society, 09:36

Why Vyksa needs the largest street mural in Europe

RBC Style and SberPervy, 09:33

The Ministry of Defense revealed the details of repelling a drone attack in Sevastopol

Politics, 09:18

How and on what young people spend their money. Study

RBC and Mir, 09:03

Military operation in Ukraine. Main

Politics, 09:03

Military operation in Ukraine. Online

Politics, 09:03

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

Photo: Ilya Pitalev / RIA Novosti

If the coronavirus infection was severe, after it, patients may develop patches in the lungs. On x-rays, they look like scars, an associate professor at the Department of Hospital Therapy of the Moscow State Medical University named after M.V. Sechenov, pulmonologist Alexander Palman.

“In acute viral pneumonia, a ground-glass pattern is observed in the lungs on CT. It looks like it was thrown on a light cobweb. Subsequently, ground glass may disappear completely, but if the disease is severe, there may be areas of compaction – consolidation, ”he explained.

According to the scientist, it used to be thought that if “frosted glass” is found in the lungs of those who have been ill and a consolidation process occurs, then in the future this will necessarily transform into irreversible severe fibrosis. But now it turned out that the majority of these seals are.

adv.rbc.ru

adv.rbc.ru

“On an x-ray or CT scan, the hardened areas really look like scars that have formed, that is, fibrosis. But in fact, this is some kind of post-inflammatory thickening, and in most patients it goes away, ”said Palman.

5-10% of those who have recovered from COVID-19 develop pulmonary fibrosis – some researchers consider this a form of premature aging of the lungs, a professor at the Department of Phthisiology and Pulmonology of the Medical Faculty of the Moscow State Medical University named after M. V. A.I. Evdokimova Sergey Babak.

“In a small number of cases, premature aging of the lung is activated after COVID-19, which is expressed in pulmonary fibrosis. But in young and healthy people, these processes are unlikely to be launched. And in older patients over 50, these risks increase. Plus, if they have concomitant lung diseases, such as COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – these processes can be accelerated, ”he said.

According to him, among the other most common consequences of coronavirus infection is post-covid syndrome, or long-covid. This condition can last 6-12 months.

“The disease is becoming chronic. People no longer transmit the virus, but it is inside them and affects all organs, including the lungs, ”the doctor added.

Coronavirus

Russia Moscow World

0 (per day)

Infected

0 (per day)

Died

0 (per day)

Infected

0 (per day)

Died

0 (per day)

Infected

0 ( per day)

Died

Pleural empyema | Thoracic surgery

Pleural empyema | Thoracic surgery | Diseases

1. Main
2. Diseases
3. Thoracic surgery
4. Pleural empyema

Pleural empyema is characterized by the formation of a purulent substance directly in the pleural region. The cause of the onset and progression of the disease is the infection of one or both lungs, for example, pneumonia. Empyema is divided into 3 stages:

• exudative – at this stage, pus accumulates, which must be drained;
• fibrinous-purulent – encapsulation of the pleural substance, leading over time to the formation of purulent cavities in the tissues;
• organizing – partial scarring of the pleural region, a complication is the immuring of the lung.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Manifestations of symptoms depend on the stage and severity of the empyema. Among the typical manifestations:

• cough;
• severe sweating;
• fever;
• dyspnea;
• pulling pain in the chest area.

Signs of chronic empyema can be considered as a symptom of drumsticks developing in patients (thickening of the terminal phalanges of the fingers) and a significant weakening (at the second stage) of vesicular respiration.

To make a diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a complete blood count, biochemical blood test, radiography, chest CT and ultrasound of the pleural cavities. The confirmation of the disease is the detection of fluid containing pus in the pleural region during thoracentesis. It may contain pathogenic microorganisms.

Techniques for treating disease

Treatment of empyema begins with drainage of the infected fluid that has accumulated in the lungs. Important! Drainage should be administered under ultrasound guidance to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. In addition, the removal of pus from the lungs should be carried out under the constant supervision of a doctor. Improper execution of the procedure can lead to a sharp deterioration in the course of the disease.

Next, antibiotics are prescribed. With low efficiency of the procedures or the occurrence of pleural bleeding, surgical debridement or limited thoracotomy is performed. In rare cases, part of the lung is resected.

Lung diseases in the chronic stage are very difficult to completely cure.

Experienced doctors of the Andromeda Clinic in Lipetsk, if pleural empyema is suspected, will conduct an initial diagnosis of the symptoms of the disease and determine the correct management tactics.

+7 4742 515-911, 566-911

398000 Lipetsk,
st. Forge, 10 A

398000 Lipetsk,
st. Gogol, 60

+7 (4742) 515-911 , 566-911

Doctor call

Lipetsk, st. Kuznechnaya, 10A

Name of the taxpayer (in full)

Telephone

Patient name (in full)

Date of birth

Patient relationship

Year of service provision

By submitting an appeal, you agree to the terms of processing your personal data.

Sorry, the doctor’s house call service is temporarily unavailable.

Sorry, the doctor’s house call service is temporarily unavailable.

Specialization

Choose a specialization

Doctor

Choose a doctor

Your name

Phone

By submitting an application for an appointment, you agree to the terms of processing your personal data.

Select the specialist you would like to make an appointment with:

Select the clinic where you would like to make an appointment:

Select the date you would like to make an appointment for:

The calendar is loading…

Unfortunately, the appointment schedule of the selected specialist is unknown, but you can leave a preliminary request for an appointment.

No name by which you can be contacted!
The phone number by which the operator will contact you to confirm the appointment is not specified!
Captcha verification failed.