Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 45, has been diagnosed with lung disease - chronic pulmonary fibrosis - according to a statement from the Royal Court that was released Wednesday.
“For a number of years, I have had health challenges on a regular basis, and now we know more about what these are in,” Mette-Marit, a commoner who became a royal when she married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, said in the statement. “The condition means that the working capacity will vary.” She and the Crown Prince opted to inform the public about her condition, as they expect it to impact their “official program,” especially when she needs to get treatment and when the disease is “more active.”
The Royal Court maintains that is “not yet clear” if Princess Mette-Marit’s condition “is linked to a more extensive autoimmune disease process or if there are other causes that underlie the lung changes,” and that she will have to “undergo further investigation in the future and also treatment trials.” However, they do feel as though detecting the disease early was "favourable considering the diagnosis.”
“Although such a diagnosis in times will limit my life, I’m glad that the disease has been discovered so early,” she said in the statement. “My goal is still to work and participate in the official program as much as possible.”
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. When the tissue stiffens and thickens, it makes it harder for your lungs to work properly. As the condition worsens, you become more and more short of breath.
Eventually it can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure in your lungs (aka pulmonary hypertension), right-sided heart failure, respiratory failure, lung cancer and other lung complications
What causes it?
Doctors often aren’t able to determine what causes the scarring associated with pulmonary fibrosis. However it can be the result of a variety of factors, including long-term exposure to certain toxins, certain medical conditions, radiation therapy and some medications.
The disorder is more likely to affect middle-aged and older adults, than children or younger adults and impact men more than women. Smokers or people working around a lot of smoke or pollutants - such as miners, farmers or construction workers - are also more prone to it.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many signs and symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis and they can vary in both type and severity and course from person to person. They can include:
- Shortness of breath
- A dry cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Aching muscles and joints
- Widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers or toes, also referred to as clubbing
Can it be treated?
Unfortunately, once the lung damage has occurred, it can’t be undone. However, certain medications and therapies can help treat the symptoms. Some people can even get a lung transplant, which can extend your life and improve your overall quality of living.
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