Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Definition

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the tissue deep in your lungs becomes scarred over time. This tissue gets thicker and stiff and makes it hard for the person to breathe, and your blood may not get enough oxygen.

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, the cause cannot be found.

Causes of pulmonary fibrosis include:

1. Environmental pollutants

2. Certain medicines

3. Some connective tissue diseases

4. Interstitial lung diseases (large group of diseases that inflame or scar the lungs)

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

1. Shortness of breath

2. A dry, hacking cough that does not get better

3. Fatigue

4. Weight loss for no known reason

5. Aching muscles and joints

6. Clubbing, which is the widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers or toes

Investigations

1. Your doctor may use your medical history to examine you.

2. The doctor may ask you to get the following tests done, such as,

a) Imaging tests

b) Biopsy

c) Lung function tests

Treatment

There is no cure. Treatments can help with symptoms and improve your quality of life. They include:

1. Medicines

2. Oxygen therapy

3. Pulmonary rehabilitation

4. Lung transplant

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

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