The Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19.

Pulmonary fibrosis due to COVID-19 is recognized as sequel of ARDS characterized by failed alveolar re-epithelization, fibroblast activation, excessive collagen deposition and other extracellular matrix components that disrupt the normal lung architecture. There are risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis namely advanced age, severe ARDS infection, mechanical ventilation due to ventilator-induced lung injury, smoking and chronic alcoholism. Diagnosis of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis can be made by clinical symptoms and characteristic finding from lung CT scan. To date, there is no definitive treatment for post-inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 infection, however some of antifibrotic therapies may be considered. Beside medical treatment, pulmonary rehabilitation program and long-term oxygen treatment should be included as part of comprehensive treatment for pulmonary fibrosis due to COVID-19.