Farrell Eckman’s life was forever changed when she caught COVID-19; the damage sustained to her lungs by COVID pneumonia led to the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Farrell talks about her COVID-related PF journey, her hopes for the future, and the solace she has found in CPFF support groups.
Respirologist Dr. Daniel Marinescu contributes his expertise on the relationship between PF and COVID-19, and basic screening practices for diagnosing PF.
COVID-19 and other severe infections can cause inflammation in the lung. The more inflammation present during the initial infection, the greater the risk that the body’s reaction will produce scarring.
Dr. Marinescu describes the difference between other subtypes of PF, where this scarring worsens over time, and COVID-related PF, which is not typically progressive. The scarring of the lung tends to stabilize or even slightly improve, rather than progress toward respiratory failure.
We celebrate and thank Farrell Eckman for sharing her pulmonary fibrosis journey. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, a cough that won’t go away, and fatigue you can’t escape, ask your doctor to listen for the tell-tale lung crackles.