I'm short of breath just walking, and I suspect this disease if my fingertips have turned round
Oct 12, 2025
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Epileptic lung disease is a common term for diseases in which the lungs gradually harden due to inflammation and fibrosis in the interstitium between the alveoli and the alveoli. Of these, the case of progression without knowing the cause is ' idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis'.
◇ The number of patients steadily increases as the elderly population increases
Hepatic lung disease is classified into more than 200 types of causes and patterns. Although it may result from occupational dust inhalation, drug side effects, and autoimmune diseases, there are many cases where no clear cause can be found. In Korea, it is reported as one per 2,000 people, but the number of patients is steadily increasing as the elderly population increases. In particular, it is known that it occurs a lot in people in their 60s and beyond, and it occurs more often in people with a smoking history.
Professor Kim Kyung-hoon of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital said, `Although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is classified as a rare disease, the number of patients is increasing to the extent that it is no longer rare in actual clinical practice"As the exact cause has not been identified, early diagnosis and active treatment determine survival" he explained.
◇ Just walking makes me breathless, my fingertips turn round
Most patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complain of dry cough and dyspnea first. The problem is that these symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it easy to miss them early. As the disease progresses, you may feel short of breath just by walking, and there are also 'clubbing fingers' that change your fingertips round. In severe cases, oxygen saturation decreases and oxygen therapy is required.
High-resolution chest CT, which is more precise than chest X-rays, is important for early detection. If necessary, lung function tests and biopsy are performed in parallel to check the progression of the disease. The unique blister sound, which is auscultated sound from the lower lung, is also a diagnostic clue.
So far, there is no cure to reverse the fibrosis of the lungs. However, antifibrotic drugs such as pirfenidone and nintedanib can slow the progression of the disease and reduce acute exacerbations to prolong survival. For some patients, lung transplantation may be the only fundamental treatment.
Professor Kim Kyung-hoon "Previously, it was a fatal disease with an average survival period of only 3 to 5 years for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, but the survival period has improved due to the recent development of treatments and active management through early diagnosis, and the number of patients who can treat and manage for a long time is increasing."Lifestyle management along with drug treatment is important in protecting the patient's quality of life" he explained.
◇ Early diagnosis is important because prevention and treatment are difficult
In addition to drug treatment, oxygen therapy and respiratory rehabilitation therapy to relieve symptoms are performed at the same time. Respiratory rehabilitation does not restore lung function itself, but it helps maintain motor and daily life performance. In addition, patients must quit smoking, and it is recommended to avoid environments that put a burden on the respiratory system, such as fine dust and chemicals. It is also important to prevent respiratory infections through pneumococcal and flu vaccinations. This is because infection can lead to rapid deterioration of conditions.
Regular light exercise is also effective in relieving symptoms of breathlessness and maintaining physical strength. You also need balanced nutrition and plenty of rest. Above all, checking changes in the disease early through regular checkups and follow-up is the way to protect the patient's quality of life.
Professor Kim Kyung-hoon emphasized that `Although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that is not easy to prevent, the best prevention method is to be diagnosed early without carelessly overcoming symptoms.' `If you have suspicious symptoms, it is important to visit a specialist for regular examinations and actively engage in life management.'
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
