IPF

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no cure for IPF, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment options include:

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]


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125 and up biweekly

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia and visit Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

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