Learn About Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a rare but serious lung disease that occurs
when lung tissue becomes scarred and stiffens. Pulmonary means
related to the lungs, and fibrosis means scarring. It usually gets worse
over time. It typically leads to shortness of breath and eventually the
need for supplemental oxygen.
PF complicates many of the more than 200 lung conditions that make
up a category of lung disorders called interstitial lung disease (ILD).
ILDs cause inflammation and scarring around the tiny air sacs in the
lungs. It may be hard to determine the actual cause of lung scarring,
which makes diagnosing a particular form of PF very difficult.
Patients can develop PF when they have an autoimmune disease
(like rheumatoid arthritis), from exposure at the workplace (such as
hazardous chemicals), or from environmental substances (such as
asbestos). It can also happen when patients have unusual or damaging
reactions to certain medicines (including some cancer treatments).
About 60% to 70% of patients with PF are current or former smokers.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe type of ILD. Idiopathic
means that the cause is unknown. There is no cure for IPF, but there are
treatments that can slow the progression and help reduce symptoms.
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