HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)lung fibrosisHow can post-fibrosis of lung be treated?

My husband has signs of lung fibrosis. Can you guide on the best possible treatment?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 10, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My husband is a person with diabetes and was discharged from the hospital after COVID treatment one and half months back. His computed tomography (CT) showed early fibrosis at the time of admission. The doctor advised us to repeat the CT after around a month. We got it done today, and I am attaching the reports, which do not look good. I am very much tensed. He took anti-fibrotic medicine for a month even after discharge. Can you please check and guide us on the best possible treatment?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to HRCT (high resolution computed tomography) of the chest report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), some scattered areas of fibrosis in both lungs and prominent mediastinal lymph nodes are seen. Ground glass opacities were seen in the previous CT scan indicating COVID-19 pneumonia has been resolved or cured. Now, fibrosis is seen in the bilateral lungs as a complication or consequence of COVID-19 infection. Considering the huge number of patients affected by COVID-19, even rare complications like post-COVID fibrosis will have major health effects at the population level. Currently, no proven options are available for the treatment of post-inflammatory COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. It has been proposed that prolonged use of antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-fibrotic drugs along with or without antibiotics like tablet Azithromycin may diminish the probability of further development of lung fibrosis. Breathing exercises like blowing balloons every day at home with respiratory physiotherapy may help improve a patient's respiratory problems with fibrotic lungs to some extent. Take care. In case of any other query, ask me.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Despite taking anti-fibrotic drugs, his fibrosis has increased, and earlier computed tomography (CT) did not show mediastinal lymph nodes. Can you please tell me if his life expectancy is reduced? Will the problem progress further?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. His first HRCT of the chest report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) is provided. It shows that he had COVID pneumonia, and now it is subsided or cured but post COVID pulmonary fibrosis has already started to develop despite taking anti-fibrotic drugs. Recent high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lung shows mediastinal lymph nodes, which was not present in his previous CT scan. It may result from various underlying conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), heart failure, sarcoidosis, pneumoconiosis, granulomatous disease, carcinoma, etc. CT (computed tomography) guided FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) or biopsy and bronchoscopy can confirm the underlying etiology of the mediastinal lymph nodes. The life expectancy of patients with fibrosis is five years at best after diagnosis. However, early detection of the disease is the key to slowing progression and increases disease prognosis. The treatment will aim to stop the disease progression first. Corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antivirals, antibiotics, etc., along with anti-fibrotic drugs, can be given for improvement. The anti-fibrotic drug he is taking currently is not working well, so the doctor can add any other anti-fibrotic drug with his current anti-fibrotic drug. Please consult with a pulmonologist about his disease progression. After assessing your husband, the pulmonologist will find a solution for your husband. Always keep in touch with a doctor. Take care. In case of any other query or advice, or help, feel free to ask me, and I will try to do my best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam
Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy