The COVID-19 pandemic caused more than 6 million deaths worldwide and left millions more with ongoing cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and psychological complications. Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of these complications, as infection was associated with an increased risk of PF, and the magnitude of the association increased with COVID-19 severity.1
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, and it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition, as it can be life-threatening. While there is no cure for PF, new anti-fibrotic medications can help slow the progression of the disease.
Many people with PF may not experience symptoms until the disease is more advanced. It is also commonly diagnosed late because its symptoms are the same experienced by people with other diseases, such as asthma, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- A dry cough that can be triggered by eating, talking or exercising
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swollen fingertips or toes
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Loss of appetite
- Aching muscles and joints
The most severe cases of COVID-19 infection—those who required mechanical ventilation—are the most at risk for developing PF. However, those with less severe cases have also contracted it, although the reasons are not yet understood, according to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
The most definitive way to diagnose PF is with high resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging. Radiologists, like those at RadX Imaging Partners, are specially trained to look for scarring and inflammation in the lungs, along with the honeycomb-like pattern in the fibrous tissues within the lungs that is a sign of more severe forms of disease. This level of detail cannot be seen on x-rays and other forms of diagnostic imaging, making high resolution CT scans an essential part of the diagnostic process.
Early detection is important, because once lung function is lost, it is gone forever. The earlier that PF is detected, the sooner it can be treated to potentially halt the progression of the disease, help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of early death.
If you think you may have pulmonary fibrosis, it’s important to talk with your doctor as soon as possible. He or she can order a high-resolution CT to diagnose your condition and help you live a longer, fuller life.
- Ronza Najjar-Debbiny, MD et al. Association Between COVID-19 Infection and Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Nested Case-Control Study. The American Journal of Medicine Volume 136, Issue 11, P1087-1093. November 2023.
