Raising awareness of the early indicators of pulmonary fibrosis
This PF Awareness Month, let's extend our efforts to the medical community
Written by |
What do the following terms have in common: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), ground-glass opacity (GGO), fibrosis, and lung crackles, or rales? These terms, often associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), can be early indicators of the disease.
When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, the only indication I had was a persistent cough. I learned that a persistent cough, clubbed fingers, and shortness of breath were all associated with IPF.
I soon heard terms like UIP or GGO when clinicians reviewed my computed tomography (CT) images. My doctor invited a medical student to listen to my crackles.
My primary care physician had never encountered IPF until her experience with me. Many clinicians may never see a case of the condition. Alternatively, they may have seen it and not recognized it. This demonstrates the need to raise awareness in all segments of the population.
The presence of UIP may simply indicate pneumonia. But combined with other indicators, it may point to a more serious condition. When I was diagnosed, my primary care physician suspected a form of pneumonia. To her credit, she referred me to a pulmonologist.
From the first CT scan conducted until I received my bilateral lung transplant in July 2021, the presence of GGO was noted in every image. Radiologists are on the front lines of diagnosing IPF and other lung conditions. GGO may be an early indication of a more serious condition and often requires further interpretation.
Lung crackles are not to be confused with the lung sounds associated with a cold. As my IPF progressed over the years, my lung crackles intensified. I did present with the sound best described as pulling apart strips of Velcro.
Fibrosis — in my case, PF — is the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue. This impairs air exchange and leads to shortness of breath. Contrary to some internet rumors, lung fibrosis cannot be reversed at this time.
UIP, fibrosis, and GGO were observed on my first CT images. Lung crackles were audible during my first clinic visit.
My chronic, nonproductive cough, which started my diagnostic journey, was ever-present. During my first pulmonology visit, the doctor stood up from the exam stool, walked over, and grabbed my hands as I sat on the exam table. From across the room, he had noted that my fingers were clubbed.
He immediately suspected PF and referred me to the Inova Fairfax Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Clinic. It took me a little less than four months to obtain a diagnosis. It is also important to remember that PF has many possible causes. IPF is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning the known causes of PF, as well as other conditions, are ruled out during the diagnostic process.
Recognizing the signs is key
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness not just among our family and friends but also within the medical community.
The next time you are having labs drawn, ask the phlebotomist if they know about IPF. If you are a pre-transplant patient with crackles, ask the nurse or med tech taking your vitals if they have heard crackles. If you are seeing a doctor you do not normally see, ask them if they are familiar with IPF.
Helping to increase awareness among all members of the medical community is just as important as doing so in any other sector of society. When more healthcare professionals are aware of the indicators of PF, there is potential to shorten diagnostic time. An earlier diagnosis can help us make every breath count.
Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.