Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a kind of lung condition that leads to scarring in the lungs due to an unknown cause. When doctors can determine the cause of the damage, e.g. following a severe case of pneumonia, they can identify it as pulmonary fibrosis. In some cases, there is no known, identifiable cause for the scarring, which is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In other words, all idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis cases are pulmonary fibrosis, but not all pulmonary fibrosis cases are idiopathic.
As IPF advances over time, scarring the lung issue progressively and affecting the lungs’ ability to function, the shortness of breath and coughing associated with the disease become worse.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms
Two symptoms are closely associated with IPF:
Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing — Especially known for making exercise challenging, the IPF breathlessness also affects everyday activities, from cooking to taking a shower.
A chronic, dry cough — Over 80% of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experience a persistent dry cough that lasts several weeks at a time.
Some also experience sudden weight loss, pain in the chest, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Diagnosing Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Doctors can have a difficult time diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis because some other lung conditions also damage the lung tissue and exhibit similar symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. A respirologist is the type of doctor who specializes in treating lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
IPF is incurable, and there is currently no treatment that can repair the damage in the lungs that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis causes. The only treatment options currently in existence work to impede the advancement of the disease and scarring in the tissue, including FDA-approved medications like and pirfenidone.
Some doctors may also prescribe s to relieve breathlessness and anti-acids to treat gastroesophageal reflux
Lifestyle changes are necessary such as giving up smoking if you do smoke, getting yearly flu and pneumonia shots, staying physically active, having a healthy diet, and avoiding respiratory infections.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy may help with shortness of breath and be an energy booster as it stabilizes blood oxygen levels. Most people with IPF prefer to rely on oxygen therapy during workouts and sleep.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
There are pulmonary rehabilitation programs that provide counseling, exercises–including breathing exercises–, and education for those living with a lung disease.
Lung Transplantation
Although lung transplantation can be risky, complicated, and usually involves a long waiting list, your doctor may recommend a lung transplant to prolong your life and improve the quality of your life depending on the severity of your case and risk factors.
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