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Section: Overview
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the presence of increased fibrous (scar) tissue in the lungs as a consequence of lung tissue injury. The exact cause in most cases is unknown; however, underlying progressive inflammation of the alveoli (alveolitis), injury or recurrent congestion of the lung (as with heart failure) seem to predispose dogs to PF. Hundreds of inhaled, ingested and administered chemicals, dusts, gases, pollutants and drugs are capable of inducing lung fibrosis in humans. Presumably, dogs react in a similar manner. Inorganic and organic dusts, gases and vapors, drugs and infectious agents have been implicated, but pinpointing an exact cause is difficult. Fibrosis of the lungs makes the lungs stiffer and prevents normal expansion. There is usually impaired movement of oxygen across the lungs and low oxygen content in the blood. These problems lead to tiring and shortness of breath.
Chronic bronchitis is a persistent inflammation of one or more bronchi, which are tubes that pass air to the lungs from the trachea. The cause of chronic bronchitis in most cases is unknown.
Coughing, a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, windpipe or airways, and protects the lungs from aspiration, affects the respiratory system by...
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