Mission: Breathing Better

Transcription

1 The Mission: Breathing Better 1

2 The The Foundation s Programs The is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is working to foster regenerative medicine in the US and throughout the world. The Foundation is in the process of sponsoring various regenerative programs to make treatments available for clinical use. Many patients suffer from diseases and conditions for which there is no cure. Regenerative medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare treatment and therapies by focusing on the underlying causes of diseases by repairing, regenerating or replacing damaged cells by using our own body. By focusing on the illness at the cellular level the therapies have the potential to help or significantly reduce the disease burden and improve the quality of life for common acute and chronic conditions such as lung disease, stroke, heart disease, Parkinson s Disease, progressive neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, trauma, and various types of cancers. In close collaboration with researchers the clinicians are educated about the latest medical, pharmaceutical developments and inventions from which patients can benefit. The is pleased to announce an excellent protocol developed in concert with various specialists, to regenerate lung tissue for patients suffering from various chronic diseases. The goal is to establish a strong evidence-based program focused on lung regeneration. On the following pages you will find information about this program and the lung diseases we will be treating. 1

3 Lung diseases are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. Tens of millions of people suffer from lung disease in the U.S. Smoking, infections, and genetics are responsible for most lung diseases. The lungs are part of a complex apparatus, expanding and relaxing thousands of times each day to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Lung disease can result from problems in any part of this system. Chronic respiratory diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, are responsible for a substantial health and financial burden in the United States each year. In 2015, 6.7 percent of all deaths were due to chronic respiratory diseases, which were the fifth leading cause of death.* * 2

4 Lung Regeneration Program Lung Regeneration Program (LRP) is a regenerative cellular therapy (PRP-PC) to treat chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many of these conditions have no cure, but certain treatments and measures can help patients breathe easier. Cellular therapy has allowed many people with chronic pulmonary conditions to improve their quality of life. What is PRP-PC? Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries. PRP-PC (platelet-rich-plasma platelet-concentrate) is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual. 3

5 What is the process? STEP 1: To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood. STEP 2: The blood is taken and put it into a centrifuge. That centrifuge spins the blood, separating it into three different layers: the platelet-poor layer, the buffy coat (which contains the platelets and white blood cells) and the red blood cells. It s that middle layer what is called PRP (platelet-rich-plasma). STEP 3: The PRP is going to be minimally processed in order to make a nebulized solution. The nebulized PRP concentrate is then introduced to the lungs through a nebulizer. STEP 4: The concentrated cells are naturally caught in the lung tissue where they may begin to promote healing in the lungs. The plasma adheres to the lungs and initiates a healing response. By allowing the patient to breathe aerosolized particles of nebulized PRP, this new delivery method increases the influx of platelets onto the endothelial surface, which reduces inflammation and stimulates the healing process. Frequency: Physicians usually recommend the following frequency: A three week program including two treatments a week. 4

6 Lung Regeneration The cells needed to create the PRP-PC are separated from other cells within the sample. The concentrated cells are naturally caught in the lung tissue where they may begin to promote healing in the lungs. A small blood sample is taken from the patient. The concentrated cells are directly inhaled to the lungs through a nebulizer. What Diseases could be treated with LRP? COPD Pneumoconiosis Bronchiectasis Pulmonary Fibrosis Chronic Bronchitis Emphysema Interstitial Lung Disease In the following pages, you can access useful information about these diseases. 5

7 COPD What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of lung conditions including bronchitis and emphysema. They make it difficult to empty air out of the lungs because your airways have been narrowed. Two of these lung conditions are persistent bronchitis and emphysema, which can also occur together. Bronchitis means the airways are inflamed and narrowed. People with bronchitis often produce sputum, or phlegm. Emphysema affects the air sacs at the end of the airways in your lungs. They break down and the lungs become baggy and full of holes which trap air. These processes narrow the airways. This makes it harder to move air in and out as you breathe, and your lungs are less able to take in oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. 6

8 The airways are lined by muscle and elastic tissue. In a healthy lung, the tissue between the airways acts as packing and pulls on the airways to keep them open. With COPD, the airways are narrowed because: the lung tissue is damaged so there is less pull on the airways the elastic lining of the airways flops the airway lining is inflamed What are the symptoms of COPD? Since COPD is a progressive disease, the symptoms may take a while to develop. In its earliest stages, patients may notice frequent coughing with mucus for months or years. Please, seek medical assistance for COPD if you experience any of these symptoms: Daily coughing Frequently coughing up mucus Loss of breath Wheezing Fatigue Tightness of the chest Swollen feet, ankles and legs A noticeable increase in respiratory infections A bluish hue of the lips or fingernail beds Uncontrollable weight loss Some of these symptoms, such as the uncontrollable weight loss or the bluish hue of the lips, do not develop until the disease is in its later stages of progression. If you haven t already seen a medical professional about your symptoms up to this point, please get assistance immediately. What are the causes of COPD? The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoke. 7

9 If you are a smoker, if you have ever smoked or if you have been exposed to second-hand smoke, you have an increased risk of developing COPD. However, some smokers never display symptoms of COPD. Additional elements, such as genetics, diet or lifestyle habits, may factor in more toward the development of COPD alongside smoking. It is possible, though rare, for COPD to develop in patients due to a genetic deficiency of a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to breathing dust, chemicals, smoke and asbestos is linked to the development of COPD. If you work in environments such as these or if you are a smoker, and you re displaying symptoms of COPD, you should seek immediate medical assistance. How is COPD diagnosed? Some of the symptoms of COPD overlap with symptoms of other diseases. Your physician will perform some tests, examine your symptoms, review your personal and family medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle and smoking habits. Some of the tests your physician may order include: Chest x-ray CT scan Pulmonary function test Blood-gas analysis If it s apparent that your symptoms may be the result of another condition, your physician may order more tests for an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing and treating COPD in its earlier stages may allow for a wider range of treatment options, so it s important for your physician to perform these tests and not misdiagnose you COPD as something else. How is COPD treated? As mentioned before, COPD is not curable. The objective of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and assist with managing its symptoms. The first and most important component of COPD treatment is to quit smoking. If you are still smoking when your COPD is diagnosed, then quitting alone may hinder the disease s progression, especially if the disease is diagnosed in its early stages. Depending on the severity of your COPD, your overall health and other factors, your COPD treatment may include some of the following: 8

10 Bronchodilators these are medications that can help relax airways and improve your ability to breathe Steroids these may reduce inflammation development in the airways Antibiotics these help treat lung infections that may aggravate your COPD Oxygen therapy this is supplemental oxygen, which may be prescribed for certain times of the day or throughout the entire day depending on the lack of oxygen your COPD is causing Pulmonary rehabilitation this includes exercising, counseling and nutritional guidance to help improve your lifestyle and reduce the amount of time you spend in a hospital with COPD symptoms Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue. Lung transplants may also be an option for those who qualify. For questions about who qualifies for a lung transplant, you should speak with your primary care provider. Is COPD preventable? Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of COPD, so if you never smoke or if you quit smoking, your chances of developing COPD are reduced. Furthermore, if you work in dusty or fumy environments, you need to wear proper safety equipment and follow safety instructions. In cases of protein deficiency, there is not much you can do to prevent COPD. However, these cases are much rarer than COPD caused by smoking or lung irritants. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 9

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12 Emphysema What Is Emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that causes the air sacs in your lungs to become damaged. This disease commonly occurs alongside chronic bronchitis to produce COPD. Your air sacs (alveoli) are responsible for exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen to and from your bloodstream. These air sacs are typically are comprised of many inner lining walls that increase the surface area of your lungsn Emphysema causes these damage to these linings, which leads to more spacious air sacs with less surface area for processing oxygen and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the damaged air sacs do not release air properly when exhaling, so fresh air rich with oxygen has less space to occupy when you inhale. Emphysema is not a curable disease, but medical treatment can provide assistance in slowing the progression of the disease and help manage its symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms of emphysema is important because diagnosing it in its early stages allows for a wider range of treatment options. How is emphysema diagnosed? Since diagnosing emphysema as early as possible in its stages of development is important, your physician may order a variety of tests for an accurate assessment. Additionally, he or she will review your medical history, your health and lifestyle and ask questions about smoking or if you ve had any exposure to breathing foreign agents. 11

13 The tests your physician may order include: Chest x-ray CT scan Pulmonary function test Blood-gas analysis How is emphysema treated? As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for emphysema. However, treatment options are available that aim to slow the disease s progression and help manage the symptoms. If you re a smoker, the first course of treatment for emphysema is to quit smoking. If the disease is diagnosed early enough, quitting smoking may be all that is necessary to slow the disease s progression. Additional treatment options include: Bronchodilators these medications help improve your ability to breath by relaxing your airways Steroids these help reduce inflammation to fight shortness of breath Antibiotics these assist in treating lung infections can aggravate the symptoms of emphysema Oxygen therapy You may require supplemental oxygen for certain periods of the day or throughout the entire day Pulmonary rehabilitation this treatment focuses on improving your lifestyle with exercises, nutritional guidance and counseling to help you breathe better Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove some damaged tissue from the lungs. A lung transplant may also be available if you qualify. For questions about qualification, you need to speak with your primary care provider. 12

14 How is emphysema treated? Since emphysema is common among smokers, the main method of prevention is to not smoke. If you are currently a smoker, quitting now will greatly reduce your chances of developing emphysema. If you work in dusty, smoky or chemical-ridden environments, you can reduce your chances of developing emphysema by wearing proper safety equipment and follow safety instructions. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 13

15 Bronchiectasis What Is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a progressive lung disease that causes damage to the airways in your lungs. With this disease, the airways grow stiffer and develop scarring, which interrupts the ability for your lungs to clear out mucus. As a result, this mucus builds up in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and potentially causing inflammation and the development of other serious lung conditions. As bronchiectasis inhibits your body s ability to take in the necessary amounts of oxygen, it becomes more difficult to take part in the activities you love. As the disease progresses, it may even become too difficult to do something as simple as walking without losing your breath. Like many chronic lung conditions, bronchiectasis has no cure. However, medical treatment can help reduce the severity of its symptoms and assist in slowing the progression of the disease What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis typically occurs as a result of your immune system s reaction to a perceived threat in your airways. This reaction is usually a form of inflammation. Inflammation goes away on its own in many cases, but when it does not it can cause permanent damage to the airways of your lungs. The scarring from the inflammation causes your airways to lose elasticity and grow wider, which leads to the mucus buildup. 14

16 The symptoms of bronchiectasis include the following: Shortness of breath Persistent coughing that might produce mucus or blood Fatigue Wheezing Tightness of the ches Uncontrollable weight loss Clubbing of the fingertips and toes If you re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Catching the disease in its earlier stages allows more treatment possibilities for controlling the symptoms and slowing its progression. What are the causes of bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis typically occurs as a result of your immune system s reaction to a perceived threat in your airways. This reaction is usually a form of inflammation. Inflammation goes away on its own in many cases, but when it does not it can cause permanent damage to the airways of your lungs. The scarring from the inflammation causes your airways to lose elasticity and grow wider, which leads to the mucus buildup. It is difficult to identify the exact cause of bronchiectasis in many cases, but it is known to have been linked with the following: Cystic fibrosis Pneumonia Tuberculosis Arthritis Weakened immune system Stomach acid in the lungs Allergic reaction to spores from a fungus called Aspergillus Cystic fibrosis is the most common cause of bronchiectasis, but if you don t have this disease, you should still seek medical attention immediately when you experience the symptoms of bronchiectasis. Ignoring your symptoms can result in further scarring and damage and, potentially, another chronic lung condition. 15

17 How is bronchiectasis diagnosed? Diagnosing your bronchiectasis early is important for developing an effective treatment. As part of your diagnosis, your physician will perform a series of physical tests and examinations. He or she will also review your medical history and discuss your health and wellness and any smoking habits you may have had in your lifetime. Some of the tests your physician may order to accurately diagnose bronchiectasis include: Chest x-ray CT scan Pulmonary function test Sputum test Blood-gas analysis Listening to the lungs for obstruction How is bronchiectasis treated? Since there is no cure for bronchiectasis, treatment aims to slow the disease s progression and manage the severity of its symptoms. Treatment varies depending on the individual factors, such as the severity of the condition and the patient s age, overall health and any smoking habits. If you re a smoker, the first step of treatment is to quit smoking. Quitting helps reduce the amount of irritation that may be causing your bronchiectasis. Further treatment options for bronchiectasis may include some of the following: Bronchodilators these are to help your airways relax to help reduce the buildup of mucus and promote clearer breathing Medications some medications for fighting bacterial infection, thinning mucus and assisting in the coughing up of mucus may be used in your treatment Pulmonary rehabilitation this will include education, exercises and nutritional guidance to help promote your body s natural ability to breathe Oxygen therapy This includes the use of supplemental oxygen to help you breathe throughout the day Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. 16

18 Is bronchiectasis preventable? In cases of cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases, it is difficult to predict and prevent bronchiectasis. If you do not smoke or have quit smoking, you greatly reduce your chances of developing bronchiectasis. Furthermore, if you work in an environment with a lot of dust, chemicals, smoke and asbestos, you need to wear proper safety equipment. Wearing the right equipment and following proper safety measures should help reduce your chances of developing lung disease. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 17

19 Chronic Bronchitis What is Chronic Bronchitis? Chronic bronchitis is a progressive lung disease that affects the bronchial tubes of your lungs. These tubes are responsible for delivering air from your windpipe into your lungs. Bronchitis causes these tubes to become inflamed, which leads to the buildup of fluid in your lungs. Chronic bronchitis can occur as an acute disease in your life. Its symptoms may last for only a few days or weeks. However, if the symptoms of the disease persist for long periods of time or recur frequently, you may have chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis often occurs alongside emphysema, which is the formation of COPD. Bronchitis inhibits your ability to intake the necessary amounts of oxygen to function properly. This makes it difficult for you to participate in physical activities, and eventually, makes it difficult to perform simple daily tasks. Chronic bronchitis is an incurable disease, but medical treatment can help slow its progression and control its symptoms. If you experience the symptoms of chronic bronchitis, it s important to seek medical treatment immediately since the disease is more manageable in its earlier stages. What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis? The symptoms of bronchitis include the following: Persistent coughing with mucus production, and sometimes, blood Wheezing Shortness of breath Tightness of the chest Fatigue Slight fever 18

20 What causes chronic bronchitis? One of the main causes of chronic bronchitis is smoking cigarettes. However, the disease may be caused by a number of factors, so even if you re not a smoker, you should seek medical attention for its symptoms. Besides smoking, the causes of chronic bronchitis include: Prolonged exposure to breathing dust, chemicals and other foreign agents Acid reflux Infections that inhibit immune system function Those who are in more fragile states of life, such as infants and the elderly, are slightly more at risk for developing bronchitis than others. Regardless of your age, if you re experiencing bronchitis symptoms, you should seek medical attention. How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed? Bronchitis shares many symptoms with a common cold and other acute respiratory conditions. Your physician will perform a series of tests to determine whether the causes of your symptoms are bronchitis or something else. A big clue is if the symptoms are prolonged or recurring. Tests your physician may order for chronic bronchitis include: Chest x-ray Pulmonary function tests Sputum tests, which measure the mucus in your lungs 19

21 For an accurate diagnosis, your physician will also review your medical history, ask you questions about your health and symptoms and discuss smoking and other lifestyle habits. How is chronic bronchitis treated? As mentioned earlier, chronic bronchitis has no cure. Acute bronchitis will usually recede after a few days or weeks. With acute bronchitis, the risk of severe complications is small, but it may lead to pneumonia. Because of this, it s still important to seek medical attention for assistance in managing symptoms until the disease recedes. With chronic bronchitis, the treatment objective is to slow its progression and control the symptoms. Depending on the severity of the disease, your age and overall health, treatment for chronic bronchitis may include: Bronchodilators these help relax and open the bronchial tubes so that you might experience clear breathing Steroids these help reduce inflammation which may help reduce the amount of fluid that leaks into your lungs Antibiotics these fight other infections that might aggravate your chronic bronchitis symptoms Oxygen therapy If you re oxygen intake is severely inhibited, you may require supplemental oxygen at certain times throughout the day or for the entire day Pulmonary rehabilitation this includes training, education, exercises and nutritional guidance to assist with your ability to breathe clearly and help improve your quality of life with chronic bronchitis Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. 20

22 How is chronic bronchitis treated? Your chances of developing chronic bronchitis are reduced if you take steps to avoid irritation of the lungs. If you re a smoker, quitting will greatly reduce your risk for chronic bronchitis. If you work in an environment with lots of dust, smoke, chemicals or asbestos, you should follow safety procedures and wear proper safety equipment. Working unprotected in these environments increases your risk of chronic bronchitis. Additionally, you should get vaccinated regularly and follow good hygiene practices to help avoid catching infections that could lead to bronchitis. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 21

23 Interstitial Lung Disease What is Interstitial Lung Disease? Interstitial lung disease is not one condition, but rather an umbrella term for a variety of lung conditions. What these conditions share in common is that they cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs. This scarring can result in permanent damage to the lungs, which inhibits the intake of oxygen into your lungs. Without the ability to process the necessary amounts of oxygen, you may experience difficulty performing your favorite tasks, and, eventually, difficulty with simple tasks like walking around. Interstitial lung disease is not curable and the scarring it causes is irreversible. However, medical treatments are available to help patients slow the progression of their disease and assist with the ability to breathe clearly again. Since full lung function cannot be regained from interstitial lung disease, it s important to identify and treat its symptoms early on before further damage is caused. What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease? Interstitial lung disease encompasses a variety of conditions, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and pneumonitis, so the symptoms widely vary. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance: Persistent dry cough Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Wheezing Tightness of the chest Coughing up mucus Coughing up blood It doesn t matter if you are a smoker or someone who leads a healthy lifestyle, these symptoms are serious and can result in the development of permanent damage and other serious lung conditions. Please, seek medical assistance immediately for treatment. 22

24 What are the causes of interstitial lung disease? As with most chronic lung conditions, smoking is linked to interstitial lung disease. If you smoke, used to smoke or have been around a lot of secondhand smoke, you may be at a higher risk for developing interstitial lung disease. Interstitial lung disease typically develops inflammation as a reaction of your lungs to some perceived external threat. Along with smoking, the following are known to cause interstitial lung disease: Dusty environments Chemicals Asbestos Radiation Certain medications certain anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy drugs, heart medications and antibiotics are linked to interstitial lung disease How is interstitial lung disease diagnosed? To accurately diagnose your lung condition, your physician will perform a series of tests and go over some questions about your medical history, health, wellness and any smoking habits have or have had in the past. Since interstitial lung disease includes many lung diseases, the tests your physician orders may include many of the following: Chest x-ray CT scan Blood-gas analysis Pulmonary function test Bronchoscopy The objective of diagnosis is to quickly identify the cause of your interstitial lung disease so that treatment may be administered to slow the progression of your scarring. How is interstitial lung disease treated? As mentioned earlier, interstitial lung disease cannot be cured, so the objective is to manage the symptoms and slow the disease s progression. Treatment varies depending on the exact nature of your interstitial lung disease and its severity, your age, your lifestyle and your overall health and wellbeing. 23

25 Many treatments for interstitial lung disease include the following: Medications depending on the cause of your condition, your medications may include steroids and anti-inflammatory medication to help your body s ability to fight inflammation and assist in preventing scarring. Oxygen therapy the use of supplemental oxygen at scheduled periods throughout the day or for the entire day helps deliver fresh oxygen to your bloodstream that is otherwise difficult to obtain due to disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation many interstitial lung disease patients can experience better breathing and quality of life with the exercises, nutritional guidance and counseling provided by pulmonary rehabilitation. Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. In more extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue. Some patients may even qualify for a lung transplant. For questions about qualifying for a lung transplant, you should speak with your primary care provider. Is interstitial lung disease preventable? One major step toward preventing interstitial lung disease is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the amount of irritation you put on your lungs, reducing your chances of developing interstitial lung disease. Additionally, if you work in an environment with a lot of dust, smoke or toxins in the air, you need to follow proper safety measures and wear proper safety equipment. In cases where inflammation is caused by a genetic condition, prevention is more difficult and the disease may be unpredictable. If you re already suffering from a lung condition, you must closely monitor your symptoms to see if anything new develops that may be the result of interstitial lung disease. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 24

26 Pulmonary Fibrosis What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes the inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. This disease causes the air sacs (alveoli) to grow stiff. Your air sacs are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. When they are damaged, the ability of your lungs to take in oxygen becomes inhibited. Without the appropriate amount of oxygen, it becomes more difficult to physically exert yourself. Eventually, it may become too difficult to perform simple daily tasks, like walking or standing, without losing your breath. Pulmonary fibrosis is incurable, so the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and reduce the severity of its symptoms. It s important to know the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, so you can catch it early on for optimal medical assistance. What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis is an idiopathic disease, which means its exact cause is difficult to identify. As a result, its symptoms may be sporadic. They can develop slowly or quickly, and they do not always develop in the same order between patients. 25

27 The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity Persistent dry cough Fatigue Aching of the joints Uncontrollable weight loss Clubbed fingertips and toes Regardless of the order of these symptoms, when you begin to notice them, you should seek medical assistance What are the causes of pulmonary fibrosis? As mentioned before, pulmonary fibrosis is an idiopathic disease, so its exact causes are not always identifiable. The disease tends to be an overreaction of the immune system to a perceived threat, which can include many factors like cigarette smoke or viral infection. Pulmonary fibrosis is more common among patients over the age of 50. It may also run genetically in families. The following are known to be associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis: Dusty environments, including silica, coal dust and granite dust Working around chemicals, asbestos and other toxins Radiation treatment to the chest Bad reaction to certain medications 26

28 Pulmonary fibrosis is also known to be caused by pre-existing medical conditions, such as pneumonia, arthritis and sarcoidosis. If you already have a chronic medical condition and you begin experiencing the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis, you should contact your primary care provider. How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed? Your physician will perform a thorough examination to identify pulmonary fibrosis and to develop a treatment. This will include a review of your medical history and some questions about your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and any smoking habits you may have incurred in your life.furthermore, part of an accurate diagnosis may include some of the following tests: Chest x-ray CT scan Pulmonary function test Blood-gas analysis How is pulmonary fibrosis treated? Since pulmonary fibrosis is not a curable disease, the goal of treatment is to improve your ability to breathe and to impede the progression of the disease. Depending on the severity of the condition, your age and your overall health and wellbeing, your treatment may include the following: Medications this may include medications to assist with reducing inflammation and help open the airways to allow in more oxygen Oxygen therapy Supplemental oxygen may improve your ability to breathe throughout the day. It may be necessary to undergo oxygen therapy multiple times a day or throughout the entire day. Pulmonary rehabilitation Exercising, nutritional guidance and counseling can help patients manage their symptoms and assist with breathing clearly Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. 27

29 Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented? As pulmonary fibrosis is an idiopathic disease with various causes, there is no clear-cut method of prevention. However, limiting your exposure to agents that cause irritation to your lungs will help reduce your chances of developing the disease. If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking now. Quitting alone may be all that is necessary, in some cases, to inhibit the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. If you work in environments with a lot of dust, chemicals, asbestos or smoke, you should follow proper safety measures and wear proper safety equipment. You should also get regular flu vaccinations and practice good hygiene. These will help prevent germs from entering your body and causing irritation that could lead to pulmonary fibrosis. It s also important to maintain a healthy diet. Your lungs require nutrition found in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Eating well can help keep your lungs strong and healthy, so they are better prepared to manage inflammation and infection. For more information please contact us at (888) or send us an to info@regenerativefoundation.org 28

30 Pneumoconiosis What Is Pneumoconiosis? Pneumoconiosis is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring to develop in your lungs. The disease is commonly referred to as black lung disease because it is commonly associated with coal miners. However, this disease can affect many people other than coal miners, especially anyone that works in a dusty environment. Pneumoconiosis is characterized by any inflammation of the lungs that is caused by the inhalation of dust particles, including smoke, chemicals, asbestos and other toxins. This inflammation makes it difficult for you to breathe. With black lung disease, you may experience shortness of breath during physical activity. As the disease progresses, it may become difficult to perform simple tasks, such as walking, without losing our breath. Pneumoconiosis is an incurable disease and the scarring it causes in the lung tissue is irreversible. However, there are treatment options available to assist with controlling the symptoms and slowing the progression of inflammation. The level of success you can expect from your treatment depends on how early on your pneumoconiosis is diagnosed. Learning how to recognize the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention may help you get the assistance you need before the condition causes other lung diseases or respiratory failure. 29

31 What are the symptoms of pneumoconiosis? Black lung disease is a chronic disease that progresses slowly over time and its symptoms can take years to show up. The symptoms associated with pneumoconiosis include the following: Persistent coughing with mucus Shortness of breath Tightness of the chest You may notice that these symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. The difference though is if you know you have prolonged exposure to breathing in hazardous foreign agents, these symptoms may be from pneumoconiosis, especially if they persist for a long time. When you notice these symptoms, it s important to seek immediate medical attention. What are the causes of pneumoconiosis? Pneumoconiosis is caused by irritation and inflammation from inhaling dust and other particles. If you have worked around any of the following, you may have an increased risk of pneumoconiosis: Coal mines Textile mills Silica Asbestos Beryllium, aluminum oxide, cobalt and talc Even if it s been years since you worked in these types of environments, you should still seek medical assistance if you experience the symptoms of pneumoconiosis. The symptoms may take years to develop, so they might show up long after you ve moved on from your job. How is pneumoconiosis diagnosed? The first clue to diagnosing black lung diseases is discussing work and lifestyle history. Your physician will note if you ve been exposed to dust, chemicals and asbestos. Furthermore, he or she will order some tests to confirm your diagnosis. 30

32 These tests may include some of the following: Chest x-ray CT scan Pulmonary function test Listening to the lungs for obstruction If you work in an environment with prolonged exposure to dust, chemicals and asbestos, you should have your physician perform regular exams to monitor your health and catch black lung disease early if it develops. How is pneumoconiosis treated? As mentioned before, pneumoconiosis cannot be cured, but treatment can help you slow the progress of the disease and assist in managing its symptoms. If you re a smoker, the first step in your treatment is to quit smoking. Quitting will help reduce the presence of inflammation-causing irritants in your lungs. Depending on the severity of your condition, your age and your overall health and wellbeing, treatment may include some of the following: Bronchodilators these medications aim to help your airways open to assist you with your ability to breathe clearly Pulmonary rehabilitation this is a therapy program that focuses on exercises, nutritional guidance and counseling to promote a better lifestyle and help your body s ability to heal itself and breathe clearly Oxygen therapy Severe cases of pneumoconiosis may require the use of supplemental oxygen at certain periods throughout the day or throughout the entire day. Cellular Therapy (PRP-PC) Using a person s own blood, cells are separated and isolated. These concentrated cells are processed as nebulized PRP and inhaled using a nebulizer. 31

33 Is pneumoconiosis preventable? Prevention is important since the disease is not curable. Black lung disease is largely preventable by following appropriate safety measures and wearing proper safety equipment when working around dust, chemicals, smoke and asbestos. Make sure to wash all clothes and areas of your body that come into contact with dust. Remember to schedule regular screenings and chest x-rays with your physician to monitor your health. Also, if you smoke, then you need to quit smoking. Even if you have never worked in a hazardous environment, you can develop black lung disease from smoking cigarettes The info@regenerativefoundation.org (888)