Under the influence of negative factors, the proliferation of body tissues is often observed. The organs cease to function normally, and this affects the well-being of a person. In various systems, a process of modification of connective tissue can occur , that is, fibrosis develops. What is it and what treatment methods does modern medicine offer? This article will tell.
Fibrous masses in organs
This negative process is characterized by the following features. Firstly, the connective tissue in one or another organ grows and becomes denser. Secondly, its surface is covered with scars. Normal cells are replaced by diseased cells; as a result, the organ ceases to function normally. The danger is that over time it can completely stop functioning. The most common are similar diseases of the liver, lungs, and uterus (one of the causes of infertility). It is characteristic that the reverse process does not occur in the connective tissue (which means that it will not return to normal). Only competent treatment in this case will make it possible to live a full life.
Fibrosis - what is it? Causes of occurrence
One of the most common causes that can cause changes in the tissues of an organ is an inflammatory process that is chronic in nature. Such a disease can occur due to radiation, radiation, injuries, as well as in the presence of allergic reactions. However, depending on where the fibrosis is found, specific causes are also identified. Idiopathic fibrosis can provoke factors such as smoking, working with harmful substances, adverse environmental conditions. Another proliferation of lung tissue can occur due to pneumonia, tuberculosis. Cavernous fibrosis (tightening of the tissues of the penis) causes inflammatory processes in the cavernous bodies, as well as a prolonged (pathological) erection. Changes in the liver are the result of hepatitis, cirrhosis, hypertension, chronic inflammation.
Classification
Depending on which organ was affected, the following types of disease are distinguished:
- Fibrosis of the eyes. The structure of the retina and vitreous body changes. This condition is characterized by significant visual impairment.
- Cavernous fibrosis. It develops in the penis. It can be apical, medial, pedicle, total.
- Pulmonary type. This affects the tissues of the respiratory system. Unilateral, bilateral, idiopathic species are distinguished. Also this group includes fibrosis of the roots of the lungs and the root type.
- Fibrosis of the liver (focal, zonal, bridge-like, perivenular and others).
- Fibrosis of the mammary glands.
- Uterine fibrosis.
There is also a division of fibrosis according to the area and location of the affected area: focal (small places with changes appear), diffuse (neoplasms are diagnosed in a large area). Cystic fibrosis affects the functioning of the endocrine glands, the ducts are clogged, because of this secretion secretion is difficult.
How does the disease develop?
How fibrosis manifests itself, what it is, the possible causes of the disease and the organs that it affects - all these issues were discussed above. But what is the mechanism of neoplasm development? The fibrous lesion includes active and passive septa. The first are formed during fibrogenesis and consist of a huge number of cells. Passive septa that are in the connective tissue contribute to the fact that the proliferation process becomes irreversible. Fibers, which are composed of active elements, are much better suited to reverse development. Pericytes, which turn into myofibroblastomas, move to the foci of inflammation. They also produce an extracellular matrix. Reducing inflammation restores the normal function of pericytes, which significantly affects the reversibility of this process.
Respiratory fibrosis
The danger of such a lung disease is that the breathing process is disrupted, since the elasticity of the affected tissues is much lower. Blood is worse saturated with oxygen. The causes may be infectious diseases, and the effects of radiation, and inhalation of harmful substances. The early stages of such a disease as fibrosis of the roots of the lungs (as well as its other varieties) are almost asymptomatic. A slight shortness of breath may appear, which over time accompanies not only physical exertion. Then there is pain in the chest, cough, bronchitis appears. A person may notice excessive sweating. The skin and oral mucosa change.
For diagnosis using x-rays, MRI, computed tomography. During treatment, special medicines are used, gymnastics for the respiratory system. Surgical intervention is also possible (if the affected area is large). The treatment of fibrosis with folk remedies is not excluded. The action of various plant tinctures is based on improving blood circulation in organs. They include herbs such as horsetail, fennel, caraway seeds, and spring adonis.
Fibrosis of the uterus and mammary glands
Uterine neoplasms are increasingly diagnosed in fairly young women. Fibrosis of this organ can cause abundant discharge during critical days, and this, in turn, contributes to the development of anemia. Seals are able to block the fallopian tubes (infertility develops), provoke miscarriages and early childbirth. There are various methods of treatment: exposure to ultrasound, embolization of the uterine artery, surgery.
Another important point is fibrosis of the mammary glands. This is a change in connective tissue that occurs due to hormonal imbalance. Symptoms include heaviness in the chest, discomfort. You can also independently determine the seals. Treatment depends on which factor caused the disease. Both hormone therapy and vitamin complexes are used. Your doctor may advise you to exclude certain foods from your diet (coffee, chocolate). Surgical intervention is often used when it is suspected that neoplasms may be malignant.
Treatment of other types of fibrosis
The treatment of liver fibrosis is quite specific. It is aimed mainly at eliminating the cause of the disease, as well as its consequences. Currently, experts are actively looking for a medicine that will slow down the growth of collagen in the liver. A special diet is prescribed. If swelling is present, then the amount of salt is limited. If there is cavernous fibrosis (what it is, we mentioned above), the prosthetics technique is used. But the proliferation of connective prostate cells lends itself to conservative therapy. Used drugs that relieve inflammation, as well as antibiotics.
Prevention methods
To reduce the risk of such diseases, remember the following points. Alcohol and tobacco smoke are some of the catalysts that can provoke a disease such as fibrosis. It is timely to diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs, liver, and organs of the reproductive system. If the work involves interaction with toxic substances, all safety and protection rules must be adhered to. Stress is also a factor that can affect the normal functioning of the body. Therefore, you should avoid negative emotions and feelings.