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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis causes inflammation and scarring
of the lower part of the lungs. It generally affects males in their
6th through 8th decades of life. Patients usually experience persistent
coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. The disease worsens at
variable rates; in the most unfortunate individuals the illness
could advance quickly to a terminal, end stage condition in a matter
of months, but in most cases the progression is slower. Although
no true cure exists for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, doctors prescribe
drugs to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. |
The “flu” describes a viral infection of the upper
respiratory tract and lungs caused by the virus influenza. Patients
with influenza usually complain of fevers, body aches, cough and
an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. These symptoms commonly last
for seven to ten days, although many new anti-viral medications
have helped decrease the duration. In elderly or more debilitated
patients the “flu” may have more serious consequences.
These patients can progress to more serious illnesses including
pneumonia (infection of the lungs). Two varieties of pneumonia complicating
the flu exist: a direct infection of the influenza virus itself
into the lungs or a secondary bacterial pneumonia.
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