CAUSES
The direct causes of "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis" (IPF) are not known, however there are over 140 causes or associations with other types of fibrosis.
A reaction to a microscopic injury or irritation in the lung causing inflammation appears to be one of the causes of the condition. Although doctors may claim that pulmonary fibrosis is due to a given disease, such as sarcoidosis, the specific causes of those particular diseases may also be unknown.
In addition there is a growing body of evidence which points to a genetic predisposition. Families with a history of pulmonary fibrosis have been found to have a mutation in the SP-C protein. Although the exact cause of pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown, associations have been made with the following:
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Exposure to cigarette smoke
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Inhaled environmental pollutants
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Occupational pollutants, including asbestos, ground stone, metal dust or mouldy hay
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A number of diseases can cause pulmonary fibrosis
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Sarcoidosis
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Scleroderma
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Lupus
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Tuberculosis
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Systemic Lupus Erthematosis
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Grain handler’s lung
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Bagassosis
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Detergent worker’s lung
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Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome
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Certain strong mediations
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Nitiofurantoin [for urinary tract infections]
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Amiodarone [for an irregular heart rate]
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Bleomycin, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate [for fighting cancer]
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Therapeutic radiation.
Diagnosis
A number of different diagnostic techniques are used to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis. Indicators which may point towards a patient having pulmonary fibrosis include:
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Chest x-rays, including CT scans
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Pulmonary function tests – These tests reveal the efficiency of a patient’s breathing mechanism
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Broncho-alveolar lavage – Cells in the lower respiratory tract are removed and examined
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Injection with gallium 67 – Inflamed areas absorb (the radioactive substance) gallium 67 which can later be seen on sensitized film
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Lung biopsy – allows an examination of cells in and around the alveoli.
