Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – Gist, Causes, Tests

Reviewed By: Dr. Raghavender Reddy (Pulmonologist)

IPF Summary

For many years, medical professionals have studied and diagnosed people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using invasive techniques. As this field needs more research, we wish to examine the data and statistics that have already been established.

When your lungs are healthy, oxygen is able to permeate through the tiny air sacs and enter your stream of blood. On the contrary, when you have IPF, the scarring thickens the alveolar walls, thus complicating the transfer of oxygen from your lungs to your blood.

This disease arises when lungs become thick and stiff owing to the scars. These alterations are irreversible and gradually worsen breathing. But certain medicines may be effective at slowing its pace.

We aim to shed light on the intricacies of this illness, current research, and novel diagnostic techniques, providing hope for a better comprehension and treatment of this ailment.

Curable	Lifelong with no cure
Approach of Treatment	Relieving symptoms
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment	1.] Medicines 2.] Supplemental Oxygen 3.] Lung Transplant
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms	1.] Feeling out of breath 2.] Dry cough 3.] Aching joints and muscles 4.] Clubbing 5.] Progressive weight loss 6.] Chest constriction or pain 7.] Swollen legs 8.] Extreme fatigue

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Causes and Risk Factors

Though the term \”idiopathic\” suggests that the cause of this disease cannot be traced, some people could develop pulmonary fibrosis from pollutants or infection. However, doctors are still uncertain about the factors that lead to this disease.

Some Factors that are Popularly Associated with IPF:

• Age: Most people with IPF diagnoses are above 50.
• Environment: Inhaling dust from metal or wood at home or at work.
• Genetics: Approximately 20% of IPF patients have a family member who suffers from IPF.
• Lifestyle: Constantly suffering from acid reflux, or actively smoking cigarettes.

Pulmonary Function Tests – Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis

Individuals who exhibit any of the previously listed symptoms ought to get checked and diagnosed by a physician as soon as possible since prompt treatment enhances quality of life. A combination of the following tests are used to diagnose IPF.

CT scans

X-rays

Echocardiograms

Lung biopsy

Lung Function Tests

Why are Lung Function Tests Important?

Measuring oxygen levels aids in determining the disease\’s severity. Reduced oxygen saturation is a sign of compromised lung function, a feature common to IPF. It gives medical experts vital information about how the illness is progressing.

Low oxygen levels can cause tissue damage and cardiac strain, among other problems. By keeping an eye on oxygen levels, possible problems can be identified early and resolved immediately.

Features	Medpines AGM-100	Arterial Blood gas tests	Pulse Oximetry	Spirometry
Reusable	✅	❌	✅	✅
Parameters Measured	12	7	8	4
Portable	✅	❌	✅	❌
Rapid Results	90 Seconds	>= 5 minutes	=< 2 minutes	>= 5 minutes
Accuracy (%)	> 98.5%	~ 85%	~ 80%	~ 80%
Non-invasive	✅	❌	✅	✅
Pain-free	✅	❌	✅	✅
Risk Propensity	NIL	HIGH	NIL	MEDIUM
Pre-test requisites	NIL	MULTIPLE	FEW	MULTIPLE

Pulse Oximetry

Is an electrical gadget that gauges your red blood cells\’ oxygen saturation level. You can wear a pulse oximeter on your fingers, toes, feet, nose, ears, or forehead. The device need not be disposed off as it can be utilized again.

How it Works?

Step 1: The pulse oximeter shines a light which passes through the fingertip of patients, making them appear red.

Step 2: The device then determines the oxygen level in your blood cell by analyzing the light that passed through it.

This device may provide inaccurate readings in the following cases:

• Poor blood circulation
• Skin pigmentation
• Thick skin
• History of using tobacco
• Cool skin temperature
• Dark fingernail polish or artificial nails
• Dirty fingers

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Arterial Blood Gas Tests

Instead of a vein, the sample is extracted from an artery. However, drawing blood from an artery typically causes more discomfort than drawing from a vein. That is because arteries are surrounded by nerves and are located deeper in the body than veins.

How it Works?

Step 1: Blood samples are drawn from your arteries.

Step 2: Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) evaluates the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen in your blood to assess lung function.

Limitations:

• Needles have to be disposed off: There are hazards associated with using a needle for a blood test. These include bruising, bleeding, infection, and dizziness.
• Discomfort: You might experience a little sting or pain as the needle pricks your hand or arm. The affected site may hurt thereafter.
• Will provide Inaccurate readings in following situations:
  • The altitude at which you reside can have an impact on your outcomes. As you ascend, your blood oxygen level decreases.
  • The test findings may also be impacted by a history of smoking, or any current illness.
  • Blood drawn from Veins instead of Arteries.
  • Technician Errors.

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Spirometry

This apparatus gauges both the volume of air in your lungs and the rate at which it exits them.

How it Works?

Step 1: A spirometer is a device that requires you to blow into a mouthpiece as forcefully as you can.

Step 2: It displays the amount of air you can exhale, which is a measure of lung function.

To obtain precise readings you would have to avoid the following:

• Don\’t take bronchodilators a few days prior to the test.
• It\’s recommended to abstain from smoking for a full day before to the test.
• Also abstain from alcohol, vigorous exercise, and heavy meals a few hours prior to the test.
• On the day of test, don\’t wear tight clothes.

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Medpines AGM-100

A non-invasive medical device that provides blood oxygen levels and comprehensive pulmonary status

How it Works?

Step 1: This is a newly launched device that requires you to blow into a mouthpiece as forcefully as you can.

Step 2: It measures the oxygen levels of your lungs and a range of other parameters.

How it improves healthcare services:

• Comfort: Minimizes the requirement for invasive artery punctures, a difficult and uncomfortable procedure.
• Immediate & Accurate Results: The device\’s enormous potential in emergency rooms and across the patient care continuum is reflected in its capacity to deliver precise, real-time clinical measures at crucial times.
• Patient Satisfaction: Because the test is non-invasive, patients are more satisfied with their entire healthcare experience and compliance.

Also Read : Travelling With Asthma ,Best Tips For Smooth Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1] What is the life expectancy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer:] The Average years of survival in patients is between 3 and 5. But there are patients who cross the mark. With the right treatment and approach, patients can lead a life of better quality.

Q.2] Is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis serious?

Answer:] A dangerous chronic (long-term) illness that affects the tissue around the lungs\’ alveoli, or air sacs, is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This illness arises when lung tissue thickens and stiffens for unclear causes.

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In light of the difficulties associated with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, the MediPines AGM100 provides hope by enabling medical professionals to make educated decisions.

Tune in with our blogs to find more diseases that concern the welfare of our lungs, and solutions that can help us breathe better!