Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs become scarred over time. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, and nail clubbing. Complications may include pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, and lung cancer.
| Pulmonary fibrosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis |
| Clubbing of the fingers in pulmonary fibrosis | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, nail clubbing |
| Complications | Pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, lung cancer |
| Causes | Tobacco smoking, environmental pollution, certain medications, connective tissue diseases, interstitial lung disease, unknown |
| Treatment | Oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation |
| Medication | Pirfenidone, nintedanib |
| Prognosis | Poor |
| Frequency | >5 million people |
Causes include environmental pollution, certain medications, connective tissue diseases, infections, and interstitial lung diseases. However, in most cases the cause is unknown, and termed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Diagnosis may be based on symptoms, medical imaging, lung biopsy, and lung function tests.
No cure exists and only limited treatment options are available. Treatment is directed towards efforts to improve symptoms and may include oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. Certain medications may be used to try to slow the worsening of scarring. Lung transplantation may occasionally be an option. At least 5 million people are affected globally. Life expectancy is generally less than five years.