Fibrosis is the buildup of fibrous tissue in the body, which can be chronic or acute. Trauma and genetics are common causes, with cystic fibrosis being a well-known chronic form. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, with hope for better treatments or a cure in the future.
Fibrosis refers to the excessive buildup of fibrous tissue in a particular area of the body. It can sometimes be very debilitating, and like most illnesses, it can be chronic or acute. The term acute means focused or ephemeral in nature. This short-term state of a disease is the opposite of chronic, which describes those conditions that last a long time. Chronic fibrosis, therefore, is defined as the long-term or recurrent condition of fibrosis.
There are many possible causes of fibrosis. Among the most common causes of chronic fibrosis and its acute relative are genetics and trauma. In the case of traumatic fibrosis, damage to a particular part of the body or associated tissues can cause a rebuilding process to begin. This rebuilding process usually requires the formation of new fibrous tissue. The case of a sprained ankle and the resulting abundance of scar tissue can further demonstrate this concept.
Chronic fibrosis caused by genetics is a very different animal. Many cases of traumatic fibrosis tend to be acute or short-lived, usually disappearing as recovery progresses. In contrast, chronic fibrosis is usually constant or recurrent throughout life.
To better understand chronic fibrosis, it may be helpful to look at a particular type. Cystic fibrosis is probably the best known form of chronic fibrosis. In the case of cystic fibrosis, a genetic irregularity causes certain glands in the body to secrete excessively. Specifically, the glands that create mucus and sweat are unable to regulate themselves, resulting in excessive production.
When there is too much mucus and sweat present in the lungs due to cystic fibrosis, the airways and airways can become blocked, preventing healthy cardiovascular function. This is bad for a person’s health for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, many who suffer from this tragic hereditary disease tend to live relatively short lives.
Anyone suffering from acute or chronic fibrosis should see a doctor right away. Fortunately, there are many specialists within the medical community who are motivated to treat this disease. This ambition of healthcare professionals coupled with the desire of many researchers to learn more about chronic fibrosis raises hope that better treatments or perhaps a cure may one day be achieved. In the meantime, the best solution for ailments of this nature is management of the many symptoms, which will hopefully enable an otherwise healthy lifestyle.
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