According to the definition of the National Institute of Health, or NIH, pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease in which over a period of time, the tissue in your lungs becomes thick, stiff and scarred. Scarring is called fibrosis. Because scarred, thickened lungs are not capable of delivering oxygen to the blood stream effectively, your organs, including the brain, do not get enough oxygen. Although a special diet for pulmonary fibrosis does not exist, proper nutrition can help you improve your overall health and quality of life.
Causes
Even though doctors don't know what causes pulmonary fibrosis, there are some risk factors that may raise your chance of developing the disease. The probable risk factors are as follows: cigarette smoking, viral infections, exposure to some environmental pollutants, and use of certain medications. Genetics also might be a factor in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Impact on Nutritional Status
Pulmonary fibrosis can worsen your overall nutrition status. Trouble breathing can make you feel tired and make it difficult for you to eat adequate meals. Breathing through the mouth can make you swallow some air while eating and make you feel full quickly. In addition, alterations in your breathing pattern may change your taste perception of foods.
Nutrition-Related Side Effects of Treatments
Some medications commonly prescribed to treat pulmonary fibrosis cause side-effects that have nutritional implications and may require changes in the diet. One of the most prescribed medications is the anti-inflammatory drug prednisone, which is a corticosteroid. Common side effects of long-term treatment with prednisone include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, water retention and osteoporosis. Some other pulmonary fibrosis medications can cause anemia, nausea, vomiting and liver problems. You may need to adjust your diet to minimize or avoid these side effects.
Diet
To maintain good nutritional status, you should follow a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and sufficient protein, and is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. If you are underweight or malnourished, try to increase calories and protein in your diet. Try commercial nutritional drinks to boost your protein-calorie intake. Avoid high-sodium foods, especially if you are taking prednisone. A diet low in salt will help keep your blood pressure under control and prevent fluid retention. Eating small frequent meals and snacks instead of three large meals may eliminate a feeling of fullness in your stomach, making it easier for you to breath. Try to avoid swallowing air while eating. Eat slowly; modify food consistency if chewing the food makes you tired. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids; however, if you have heart disease or accumulate fluids, your doctor may instruct you to restrict your fluid intake.
