Testing for Pulmonary Fibrosis in Healthy relatives? 

This is a nuanced comment on whether someone who has family history of interstitial lung disease (ILD) but no respiratory symptoms should seek to have genetic (genomic) tests done or a chest CT scan to screen for the presence of early ILD changes. These interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) can actually be found in a very large number of people, but not always represent the early stages of pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring).
We do not know exactly how these changes will progress over time, and in which individuals.
Genomic testing is also difficult to interpret, because there is generally a lack of consensus on which are the best tests to do and how they relate to each individual case.
However, it does make sense that someone who does have a very strong family history of pulmonary fibrosis should consider this information, especially if they do have respiratory problems. They should also seek to live a healthy life to the extent possible, as genetics may confer a predisposition, but this can be aggravated by environmental triggers (e.g. smoking, fumes, severe lung infections etc.)
#pulmonaryfibrosis #genetics #genetictesting
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The opinions presented on this channel are my own and do not constitute medical advice in specific cases. If you are watching/listening to this content as a patient, you must seek personalized advice from your own healthcare team (who can provide you with a consultation and appropriate treatment and advice. This information presented here may not apply in your case. If you are a health professional, please use your professional judgement when treating patients.