Diagnostic Methods And Treatments For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Immunizations For Pneumonia And Influenza

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients often need to ensure they receive immunizations for pneumonia and influenza as part of their treatment. An individual affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has lungs that cannot function normally due to a buildup of scar tissue. Scar tissue is a type of dense and fibrous tissue the body utilizes to replace the damaged tissues in the organs. However, scar tissue rarely works the same as the original tissues it has replaced. Because scar tissue makes the inner tissues of the lungs less capable of oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange, the overall function of the lung is compromised. Pneumonia is a life-threatening lung infection caused by viruses or bacteria and is known to have a high mortality rate in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by a virus that is also more deadly in those who have pre-existing lung conditions. The risk of morbidity from these infections can be reduced if patients receive these immunizations.

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