Pulmonary Fibrosis
Also known as: Lung scarring, Scarring of the lungs, Lung fibrosis, Fibrotic lung disease, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF, Interstitial lung disease
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease in which the delicate tissue deep in the lungs becomes scarred and thickened (fibrotic). This scarring — often described simply as 'lung scarring' — makes the lungs stiff and stops them from expanding normally, so it becomes progressively harder to breathe and less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. It is one of a family of more than 200 interstitial lung diseases. When no cause can be identified, the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and most serious form. Pulmonary fibrosis is not cancer and is not the same as COPD, but it is serious and tends to worsen over time; modern antifibrotic medications can slow its progression, and the earlier it is caught, the more lung function can be preserved.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Progressive shortness of breath, especially during physical activity (the hallmark symptom), Persistent dry, hacking cough that does not go away, Fatigue and generalized weakness
- Main treatments
- Antifibrotic medications (pirfenidone, nintedanib) to slow disease progression, Supplemental oxygen therapy to maintain blood oxygen levels, Pulmonary rehabilitation including exercise training and breathing techniques
- Category
- Respiratory · Affects approximately 13-20 per 100,000 people worldwide; IPF incidence is rising
- See a doctor if
- You experience progressively worsening shortness of breath
Symptoms
Causes
- Long-term exposure to environmental toxins such as asbestos, silica, or coal dust
- Radiation therapy to the chest for cancer treatment
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs, heart medications, and some antibiotics
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus
- Idiopathic (unknown cause) in many cases
Risk Factors
- Age between 50 and 70 years
- History of cigarette smoking
- Occupational exposure to industrial dusts and chemicals
- Family history of pulmonary fibrosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Male sex (slightly higher incidence)
Diagnosis
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry, diffusion capacity)
- Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis
- Surgical lung biopsy in uncertain cases
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to analyze lung fluid
Treatment
- Antifibrotic medications (pirfenidone, nintedanib) to slow disease progression
- Supplemental oxygen therapy to maintain blood oxygen levels
- Pulmonary rehabilitation including exercise training and breathing techniques
- Lung transplantation for advanced, end-stage disease
- Treatment of underlying causes such as GERD or autoimmune conditions
- Palliative care for symptom management in advanced stages
Prevention
- Avoid exposure to occupational and environmental lung irritants
- Wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment in dusty or toxic environments
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure
- Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcal disease
- Manage gastroesophageal reflux disease to prevent aspiration
When to See a Doctor
- You experience progressively worsening shortness of breath
- A persistent dry cough lasts more than 3-4 weeks without improvement
- You notice fingertip or toe clubbing
- You have known occupational exposure to dusts or toxins and develop respiratory symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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StrongVitamin · Bone health and calcium absorption
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
StrongFatty Acid · Cardiovascular health (TG reduction, anti-arrhythmic)
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
StrongCompound · Mitochondrial energy production (ATP)
These supplements have been studied in relation to Pulmonary Fibrosis. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.
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