Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a serious disease that affects the lungs. The lung is composed of

small air sacs

 that

expand

 to accommodate the air we

inhale

. In IPF, the lung is scarred and the alveoli become more and more difficult to expand. This causes shortness of breath, a dry cough,

fatigue

, weight loss, loss of appetite, and

clubbing of fingers

. IPF is usually seen in individuals older than 50 years of age.
Smoking is considered to be one of the strongest risk factors in developing IPF.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Dry

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

  • An irritating cough that doesn't go away

common

Fatigue

common

Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

common

Enlargement of the fingertips and downward sloping of nails

common

Weight loss

Poor appetite

Fever

  • Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

Muscle pain

or Joint pain

  • Recurrent

  • Both sides of the body

Risk factors

Smoking

Family history of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for IPF. Managing IPF is directed towards facilitating breathing which is done by smoking cessation, some medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Recommended specialist

If you have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, then visit a pulmonologist as soon as possible.

Contact a

Pulmonologist

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