Pneumosclerosis

Article:

Pneumosclerosis is a disease associated with the growth in the lungs along the bronchi, blood vessels, and in the tissues surrounding the pulmonary vesicles of coarse connective tissue, displacing the delicate fibers of healthy connective tissue and replacing structures that have died in various lung diseases. A scar forms in place of dead tissue. Pneumosclerosis can be widespread (diffuse) or focal. It is the final form of many pulmonary diseases (chronic bronchitis, chronic pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, some cases of lobar pneumonia, etc.).

Causes of pneumosclerosis

The cause of pneumosclerosis can be repeated or prolonged single exposure to an atmosphere containing toxic substances, as well as poisoning by asphyxiating gases. Often pneumosclerosis develops in those who abuse alcohol and smoking.

Symptoms of pneumosclerosis

The clinical picture of pneumosclerosis is determined by the symptoms of the underlying disease. With severe diffuse pneumosclerosis, respiratory failure, right ventricular failure, and pulmonary emphysema develop.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for pneumosclerosis. It is important to treat the underlying disease, stop exposure to harmful factors, and quit smoking and alcohol. It is necessary to limit physical activity and prescribe breathing exercises.

Prevention

Prevention of pneumosclerosis consists of preventing the development of chronic lung diseases, observing safety rules at work, and giving up bad habits. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment of the underlying disease help prevent the development of pneumosclerosis.

Pneumosclerosis is a disease characterized by the replacement of the alveolar space with connective tissue, leading to the destruction of the structure of the lungs and disrupting their function. Pneumosclerosis most often affects women aged 40 - 50 years. The basis of the disease is an infectious lesion of the alveoli, leading to the formation of sputum and fibrin. Another factor is chronic nonspecific respiratory diseases: bronchitis, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis, toxic lung damage.

Symptoms of the disease: cough, shortness of breath during exercise or at rest, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, chest pain. As the disease progresses, the connective tissue of the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli hardens and thickens. A decrease in the respiratory function of the lungs leads to a decrease in blood oxygen saturation, the patient begins to suffer from lack of air and heart pain. Clinical manifestations intensify and lead to the development of asthmatic attacks, oxygen deficiency, and the appearance of wheezing. After examination, treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is prescribed to reduce inflammation and shortness of breath. In addition, they resort to prescribing bronchodilators and glucocorticosteroids to increase the effectiveness of therapy. In the most severe cases, surgical intervention is indicated

In recent years, a new concept – “pneumosclerosis” – has become widespread in pulmonological practice. Pneumosclerosis refers to all forms of pulmonary diathesis in old and senile age, manifested by a diffuse or focal decrease in lung volume without pronounced bronchospasm and emphysema. The definition of pneumosclerosis is based on modern views on the connection of the inflammatory-dystrophic process of the lungs with various external factors and diverse internal pathologies of the body, including chronic diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and others. This is exactly the interpretation of pneumonia