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Symptoms Of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2020

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One of the most common symptoms of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that is reported is that of dry and hacking cough. However, there are various other diseases of the lungs in which coughing is the one of the main symptoms of the disease. The coughing experienced by the patient suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is dry. If there is mucus while coughing then the symptom does not indicate towards IPF. If a person is experiencing persistent dry cough then it might be an indication that he/she is suffering from IPF.

Fast, shallow breathing

Among the several breathing difficulties fast and shallow breathing is just one of the difficulties experienced by a person suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The most common thing about pulmonary fibrosis is the breathing problem as the disease leads to the scarring of the lungs. This scaring leads to the restriction of the usual exchange of oxygen that is required for blood flow and healthy breathing. Low levels of oxygen in the blood leads to shallow breathing. A healthy person takes n 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but a person suffering from the problem of IPF takes more than 20 breaths per minute. If a person experiences this symptoms then he/she might have IPF.

Gradual unintended weight loss

The most common symptom of pulmonary fibrosis is the feeling if overwhelming exhaustion or tiredness. Although, fatigue can be characterized by the less energy which does not improve even after a person has taken appropriate rest. Sometimes a person feels tired even after sleeping. The daily activities of a person are inhibited by this symptom. If this symptoms is being experienced by the person for a continuously for a long of duration of time without any specific reason then it might be an indication that a person has IPF.

Tiredness

The most common symptom of pulmonary fibrosis is the feeling if overwhelming exhaustion or tiredness. Although, fatigue can be characterized by the less energy which does not improve even after a person has taken appropriate rest. Sometimes a person feels tired even after sleeping. The daily activities of a person are inhibited by this symptom. If this symptoms is being experienced by the person for a continuously for a long of duration of time without any specific reason then it might be an indication that a person has IPF.

Aching joints and muscles

One of the symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is aches in the muscles and the joints. As the disease starts to progress there is lesser amount of oxygen left in the blood. This results in less oxygen reaching to the muscles and the patient starts experiencing pain. if a patient is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis then in these patients pulmonary fibrosis can be developed because of the spreading of the inflammation. This makes the joints and the muscles to hurt more. If a person experience this symptom then it is highly likely that he/she is suffering from the condition of pulmonary fibrosis.

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Clubbing (widening and rounding) of the tips of the fingers or toes

If a person is suffering from the condition of pulmonary fibrosis for a long period of time and he/she has not received any treatment then due to lack of oxygen clubbing of fingers and toes would take place. This is also referred to as digital clubbing. The impossible to tell the reason for its occurrence as it is still not known. This symptom is experienced if there is pool of fluids which appear at the end of the toes and the finger making them round. If a person is experiencing this symptom for long then it is indicating towards idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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