Pulmonary Fibrosis is a serious lung condition that is caused by damaged and scarred lung tissue. It becomes more difficult for your lungs to work properly due to thickened, stiff lung tissue. People diagnosed with the condition may struggle to breathe properly. The condition prevents the body from getting adequate oxygen to perform properly. In the long run, this condition can cause irreparable damage to the lungs and may also lead to other complications. 

Pulmonary fibrosis typically causes shortness of breath. Individuals may face shortness of breath every time they perform an activity. It is important to understand that there are no current medical treatments that can reverse the lung scarring. The damage caused by Pulmonary Fibrosis is permanent in most cases. 

Specific treatment options may help ease some of the worst symptoms and improve the overall well-being of someone suffering from the condition. In serious cases, pulmonary fibrosis can damage the lungs and even increase the chances of an untimely death. The average life expectancy of individuals diagnosed with the condition decreases. Life expectancy also depends on the progression of the disease, which varies from person to person. 

This ailment can cause long-term as well as short-term disabling conditions. While the Social Security Administration does not offer a Short Term Disability program, you may be able to seek state or employer-funded benefits if your symptoms are not yet severe enough to qualify for long-term disability benefits. The SSA’s Blue Book Listing of Impairments includes the criteria that must be met to be eligible for long-term disability benefits. Let us understand who is at higher risk of developing this condition. 

Who is at risk of suffering from this condition? 

You are at a higher risk of developing this condition if you: 

  • Are a male. Men are generally at higher risk of suffering from this condition
  • Are between the age of 40 and 70 years of age
  • Have a family history of dealing with the condition 
  • You are a smoker
  • Have taken various medications associated with the disease
  • Have undergone cancer treatment 
  • Are working in an industry where there is a higher risk of dealing with this condition. For instance, individuals working in the construction, mining, and farming industry are at a higher risk of dealing with the condition. 

Pulmonary disease can damage your lungs

This condition can cause permanent damage to the lungs and may lead to various other complications. Over time, the disease may progress, and the scar tissue may block the movement of oxygen. If your loved one is suffering from the condition, you can consider offering a helping hand and assist them with their daily activities. The progression of this disease depends on age and environmental factors. 

If you are a regular smoker, you may have more difficulty managing the disease. You should avoid smoking and focus on adapting to a healthy lifestyle to improve your condition. Certain medical advancements may help reduce and control the symptoms; however, no treatment option currently available will reverse the scarring. In some cases, someone with the condition may require a lung transplant. 

The lung transplantation procedure helps improve the quality of life. Not everyone is the right candidate for a lung transplant. For instance, if you are suffering from a critical heart or kidney problem, you may not be the right candidate for a lung transplant. Certain health conditions may disqualify you from being a viable candidate for a transplant because your health may not sustain the trauma of such a serious medical procedure. If you suffer from another condition, there is a good chance that a transplant will lead to complications.

In addition, candidates who have a body mass index (BMI) above 35 are not considered good candidates for lung transplantation. You may have to reach out to your healthcare provider and specialist to understand if you are the right candidate. Even when you are the right candidate, you should prepare yourself because you may have to make a few lifestyle changes. You will be required to make the changes to keep your lungs healthy. If you are unwilling to make those changes, your healthcare provider will not suggest the treatment. 

What is the average life expectancy of an individual diagnosed with this condition? 

The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with this condition is around three to four years after the diagnosis. You must begin the treatment process at an early stage to reduce the rate of progression. When left untreated for too long, the condition can have negative consequences and may impact your overall health. 

Someone dealing with Pulmonary Fibrosis is likely to experience other critical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and other lung infections. Weakness in the lungs can even increase the risk of early death. The survival rate decreases precipitously over the years if the disease continues to progress. 

There is no permanent cure for the disease today. However, researchers and scientists are trying to find an appropriate treatment that may help reduce symptoms of the condition. If you are struggling with breathing, you should not ignore the signs and symptoms. Contact a doctor to rule out the possibility of pulmonary fibrosis or to catch it in its early stages.

Detection of the disease at an early stage may help in reducing further progression. You should seek immediate medical attention to help you treat the condition effectively. The treatment options available may help in managing and controlling the symptoms. 

Discuss your condition with legal professionals too.

Meanwhile, it is important to discuss your disabling condition with an experienced attorney for Social Security Disability. You can rely on our attorneys to look after all your needs related to the legal process. People who have legal professionals by their side have a better chance at winning the claim.