Fibrosis is the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue. It can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Fibrosis can be caused by injuries, infections, or chronic illnesses such as diabetes. In some cases, fibrosis may be a side effect of medications or treatments for other conditions.
Symptoms of fibrosis depend on which organs are affected. For example, lung fibrosis may cause shortness of breath and coughing up blood. Liver fibrosis may lead to abdominal pain and swelling, while kidney fibrosis may cause protein in the urine and high blood pressure. In general, fibrosis can cause fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, and difficulty breathing.
Left untreated, fibrosis can lead to organ failure and death. However, treatment options are available depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Medications such as steroids may be used to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of fibrosis. Surgery may also be an option to remove scar tissue or damaged organs. In some cases, a transplant may be necessary if organ failure has occurred.