Fibrosis

• What is fibrosis?


  The formation of SCAR TISSUE in the lungs

  This can be the result of an INFECTION or exposure to substances like ABESTOS or DUST
• What can fibrosis be the result of?

  an infection

  exposure to substances such as asbestos or dust
• Compare scar tissue to normal tissue?

  Scar tissue is THICKER and LESS ELASTIC than normal tissue

  = lungs less able to expand = so cannot hold as much air as normal = tidal volume is reduced and FVC is reduced
• explain FVC being reduced?

  ie a smaller vol of air can be forcefully breathed out
• What is there a reduction in?

  the rate of gaseous exchange - diffusion is slower across a thicker scarred membrane
• What are symptoms of fibrosis?

  • shortness of breath
  • a dry cough
  • chest pain
  • fatigue
  • weakness
• What do fibrosis sufferers have?

  A faster ventilation rate than normal - to get enough air into their lungs to oxygenate their blood