Treatment for Pulmonary Fibrosis in Pittsburgh
What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in which the lungs become scarred, causing the intricate passageways inside the lungs to thicken and harden. Hardening of passageways inside the lungs makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the walls of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) into the bloodstream. The lack of oxygen in the bloodstream leaves sufferers of pulmonary fibrosis short of breath even after periods of prolonged rest. Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease in which sufferers get worse over time, sometimes slowly and other times rapidly. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis that has no known cause. There are, however, new treatment options that help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from the disease. The Lung Institute offers treatment for pulmonary fibrosis in Pittsburgh.
Occupational Lung Disease in Pittsburgh
One major cause of pulmonary fibrosis are occupational hazards. The American Lung Association recently released their 2015 State of the Air report listing the cities with the cleanest and most polluted air. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the city once again ranked among those with the most polluted air in the nation. With the combination of the pollution in the air, the high prevalence of lung disease in the area and the local steel mills and coal mines, many people believe that occupational lung disease in Pittsburgh is on the rise. For those suffering from chronic lung disease, look out for the Lung Institute in Pittsburgh in July of 2015.
Occupational lung disease is a result of chronic respiratory infections caused by workplace hazards, such as breathing in sand and dust particles, harsh chemicals, small metal particles, and, in the case of black lung disease, coal dust. Occupational lung disease takes many years to develop, so often times symptoms don’t show up until the disease has already caused significant lung damage. Lung disease is expensive and many workers have to fight to get employers to cover costs. However, expensive medications, or, in more serious cases, a lung transplant, don’t have to be the only option. Minimally invasive stem cell therapy is now an effective treatment for lung disease.
What is Stem Cell Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Stem cell therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities to expedite the healing process. At the Lung Institute, the stem cell procedure is a three day outpatient treatment, where stem cells are extracted from a person’s blood, fat tissue or bone marrow. After the cells have been extracted, they are treated in a lab on site and then reintroduced into the body directly into the damaged tissue areas. Stem cells are how your body heals itself after getting a cut or bruise, however, sometimes this healing process can move more slowly than the disease progresses, like in the case of lung disease. By targeting many stem cells directly onto the damaged tissue, the body has the opportunity to heal itself more quickly. In most cases this results in stopping the progression of the disease or even improved lung function.
At least 70 percent of Lung Institute patients have reported a better quality of life after undergoing stem cell treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. The Lung Institute might be the answer for those seeking treatment for pulmonary fibrosis in Pittsburgh. If you or a loved one suffers from a lung disease like COPD, contact one of our patient coordinators today at (800) 729-3065 to see if you qualify.