Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies.
The signs of pulmonary fibrosis
Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early.
Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include:
A dry cough.
The sudden loss of weight.
Fatigue.
Pain in the muscles and joints.
Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
The signs experienced due to pulmonary fibrosis can differ from one person to another. Some get affected rather quickly, while others may develop moderate symptoms that worsen gradually over months or years.
Remedies for pulmonary fibrosis
There are several remedies to manage symptoms and improve how a patient functions daily.
Here are a few ways to do so:
Stay physically active
By dedicating time to staying physically active, the affected person can ensure a better overall lifestyle, improve their self-esteem, and relieve stress. Several patients with pulmonary fibrosis are skeptical about physical exercise, as it may lead to shortness of breath. However, indulging in physical activity can make the body more resistant and delay the symptom from being triggered. A few exercises to manage the disease include riding a stationary bike, walking on a treadmill, lightweight training, and stretching. Alternatively, patients can stay active by indulging in activities like walking. There are also people who found using oxygen therapy useful. Doing this helps people stay more active without sudden symptoms.
Practice breathing techniques
In some cases, becoming breathless can be frustrating. The symptom may also trigger hyperventilation in people with anxiety. That’s where breathing techniques come in. They are a popular remedy to cope with pulmonary fibrosis. Breathing exercises can help control breathing and strengthen the lungs. Breathing exercises such as pursed lips, belly breathing, and relaxed slow and deep breathing are a few ways to curb the symptom. Breathing exercises are a viable way to make everyday activities easier. Practicing yoga, being mindful, and mediation can also help reduce stress if the person feels anxious.
Drink healthy liquids
Water is essential to the body for several reasons. The liquid flushes out harmful properties from the system, which helps steer clear of potentially harmful diseases, including easing the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. Water is also needed to stay hydrated, especially when traveling outside or during physical exercises. Drinking fresh fruit juices, such as blueberry juice, can also help tackle the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.
Get the right nutrition
Nutrition, without a doubt, can make a positive impact on people. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one way to improve the body’s coping mechanism. A few antioxidant-rich foods include broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and leafy greens. Foods with lean proteins like fish, poultry, and grass-fed meat, are also healthy nutrition sources to cope with the disease. Other healthy food sources include salmon, sardines, hemp, and flax. These foods are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating healthy meals can improve the immune system and subsequently reduce the risk of developing symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. Healthy foods may also curb the risk of other potential health problems.
Try baking soda
Among other popular natural remedies, baking soda is a beneficial method to relieve pains caused by pulmonary fibrosis. People with the disease must mix a spoon of baking soda with a glass of water and drink it before each meal. Baking soda is alkaline by nature. Therefore, the remedy helps flush out harmful bacteria and other properties from the body. Furthermore, baking soda is known to improve digestion and even reduce the effects of acidity.
Get appropriate rest
Getting appropriate sleeping for at least eight hours at night is essential to deal with pulmonary fibrosis. Proper rest can revitalize energy levels and help deal with the symptoms of the disease.
Seek social support
Getting social support is essential to get through living with pulmonary fibrosis. The person with the disease must connect with people who have a similar condition. Such social support groups help the affected learn more about their condition and prepare better for any potential symptoms in the future. Social support groups can be found online.
When to call a doctor
While these remedies can help deal with the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, they are not a permanent solution. If the person experiences severe symptoms or finds a drastic change in their condition, they must see a pulmonologist (lung specialist) or a healthcare professional immediately. They must especially seek help if they start to develop a frequent cough. Another instance where the person must visit the doctor is if they experience difficulty breathing.
