The following symptoms are common both to pleural fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
In many cases there are frequently no symptoms however symptoms can vary depending upon the cause of the fibrosis. In severe cases of both pleural and pulmonary fibrosis patients have been known to complain of breathlessness, chest pain or both. In rare cases the fibrosis may be so severe and thick that it significantly restricts the patient’s ability to breath and oxygen therapy may be required.
CHECKLIST OF SYMPTOMS:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Tightness in chest
- Cough or infection on the lungs
- Diminished exercise tolerance
Fibrosis of all types unfortunately often has a slow and relentless progression. Early on, patients may complain of a dry unexplained cough. Often a slow and insidious onset of shortness of breath can set in. With time, the shortness of breath can worsen and can occur at rest.