Muskan

· 31 Jan 2022

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What is fibrosis?

As the name suggests, fibrosis is related to fibrous tissues; let’s understand the fibrous tissues first. Fibrous tissue is a type of specialized tissue which surrounds and supports various organs, structures and other tissues in the body. Connective tissues may include blood, cartilage, bones and fat. These tissues are made up of rope-like parts which we call ‘fibres’. These fibres help in the movement of body parts and keep them strong and stable.

What is fibrosis?
Fibrosis refers to the development of fibrous tissues in response to injury or damage. The term scarring is used when fibrosis happens in response to injury. Fibrosis can be described as the connective tissue deposition. It may occur as part of normal healing or as deposition of excess fibrous tissues as a result of a pathological process. When fibrosis occurs in response to injury, we use a term called- scarring. There are different types of fibrosis and the main types of fibrosis which take place in the body are given below.
1.    Pulmonary fibrosis
2.    Liver cirrhosis
3.    Cardiac fibrosis

Types of fibrosis
Let’s try to understand the following main types of fibrosis one by one:
•    Pulmonary fibrosis: Pulmonary fibrosis is described as a number of conditions which can cause interstitial lung damage followed by fibrosis and it eventually loses the lung elasticity. These conditions include symptoms such as persistent or constant cough, pain in chest, difficulty in breathing and fatigue. This may also occur as a secondary condition with other diseases. However, the underlying cause is not clear yet in many cases, thus the term idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is used. Pulmonary fibrosis generally develops later in life and may be in between 50 to 70 years. Some risk factors which could possibly lead to pulmonary fibrosis are exposure to occupational substances that damage the lung, tobacco smoking, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
•    Liver fibrosis: When our liver attempts to repair and replace damaged cells, it could lead to liver fibrosis at times. It occurs when the healthy tissue of our liver becomes scarred and is not able to work as well. The first stage of liver scarring is fibrosis which later on converts into liver cirrhosis as the scaring keep going on. While some animal studies have revealed liver’s self-healing potential; in humans once it is damaged, it difficult to heal back to its previous normal condition. But medications and lifestyle have proven to control further advancement of condition in most of the cases.
•    Cardiac fibrosis: The areas around the heart which may get damaged due to myocardial infarction may undergo fibrosis. Cardiac fibrosis can affect the valves in the heart as well as the muscles. It makes them stiff and less compliant and can increase the risk of heart failure. Fibrocytes secrete collagen and are essential for structural support of the heart. But, fibrosis and thickening of the tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve can take place when these cells are over-activated. This can eventually cause valvular dysfunction and heart failure as well.

Note: The purpose of this article is to create general awareness among the readers. The information provided is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute to medical practitioner's recommendations. In case you find above stated symptoms in you or your known, kindly consult a physician or a specialist regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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