Pulmonology & interdicipilinary Medicine

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic scarring lung disease characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function.  Symptoms typically include gradual onset of shortness of breath and a dry cough. Other changes may include feeling tired and abnormally large and dome shaped finger and toenails Complications may include pulmonary hypertension heart failure, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. The cause is unknown. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, certain viral infections, and a family history of the condition. The underlying mechanism involves scarring of the lungs. Diagnosis requires ruling out other potential causes. It may be supported by a CT scan or lung biopsy which show usual interstitial pneumonia.  It is a type of interstitial lung disease.