IPF
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by the thickening and scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue. This condition leads to a gradual decline in lung function and is classified under the broader category of interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of IPF is unknown, which is why it is termed "idiopathic." The disease involves the abnormal and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to the stiffening of the lung tissue. This fibrosis impairs the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) and a persistent, dry cough.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Common symptoms of IPF include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity
- A dry, persistent cough
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Clubbing of the fingers or toes
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosing IPF typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes lung biopsy. Key diagnostic tools include:
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
- Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
- Surgical lung biopsy
Treatment[edit | edit source]
There is no cure for IPF, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment options include:
- Antifibrotic medications such as pirfenidone and nintedanib
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Lung transplantation in severe cases
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for IPF varies, but the disease is generally progressive and can lead to respiratory failure. The median survival time after diagnosis is approximately 3-5 years.
Research[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of IPF and developing new treatments. Clinical trials are continually being conducted to explore potential therapies.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
