Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause.
What are the symptoms of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
- Chest pain (occasionally)
- Cough (usually dry)
- Decreased tolerance for activity
- Shortness of breath during activity (this symptom lasts for months or years, and over time may also occur when at rest)
What causes Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
No one knows what causes pulmonary fibrosis or why some people get it. It causes the lungs to become scarred and stiffened. This stiffening may make it increasingly difficult to breathe. In some people the disease gets worse quickly (over months to a few years), but other people have little worsening of the disease over time.
The condition is believed to result from an inflammatory response to an unknown substance. "Idiopathic" means no cause can be found. The disease occurs most often in people between 50 and 70 years old.
Who is at risk for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
How do I know I have Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis