Is there a cure for pulmonary hypertension?

Definition

Pulmonary Hypertension is increase pressure within lung blood vessels. The affected blood vessels include pulmonary artery and vein and pulmonary capillaries.

Treatment Modalities of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Unfortunately, there is no cure for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The goal of the medicamentous therapy as well as other treatment modalities is to reduce the symptoms of the increased pressure within pulmonary blood vessels as much as possible and to allow the patient to get proper strength to conduct at least some of the daily activities. Medications can lengthen life span only to certain extent. MedicationsThere are more than a few medications that are used in treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Analogues of prostacyclin lead to expansion of the blood vessels hence reduce the pressure. This vasodilatation is a basic concept of reduction of increased pressure. Prostacyclin analogues may be administered intravenously, subcutaneously or applied in a form of inhalers.

Antagonists of endothelin receptors are another group of medications that are used orally. They prevent Vasoconstriction via blockage of endothelin receptors.

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5 lead to relaxation of the pulmonary blood vessels.

The muscles present in lung blood vessels can be relaxed if blockers of calcium channel are used. This way the blood pressure gets lower.

Medications that are fighting against increased coagulation are also administered. Anticoagulants are mighty protectors from blood clots.

The increased blood pressure in pulmonary capillaries leads to accumulation of the excessive fluid in interstitial space of the lungs which results in shortness of breath and additional symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Diuretics may help in removal of the extra fluid from the body.

Antiprolipherative agents are another group of medications that can be helpful in battle against pulmonary hypertension.

Since all the previously mentioned drugs have numerous side effects they can be administered only under careful and constant surveillance of the doctor. Apart from medications, patients are always supplied with oxygen.Transplantation of Lungs-transplantation if possible is mostly done in younger patients. However the risk of rejection of the transplanted lungs as well as additional complications related to transplantation is substantial.Treatment of Associated Pulmonary Hypertension

In case that other diseases lead to pulmonary hypertension the basic concept in these cases is the treatment of the primary disease together with the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Sometimes the symptoms related to lungs can be substantially improved if the condition that leads to secondary hypertension is treated properly.

Treatment of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Treatment for this condition can be effective in case that the diagnosis has been established on time. The attention is here especially dedicated to those patients who are suffering from secondary lung hypertension caused by persistent pulmonary blood clots.