Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (pronounced ID-ee-oh-PATH-ik PUHL-mon-air-ee fi-BRO-sis), or IPF, is a rare and serious lung disease. 'Idiopathic' means that the cause of the disease is unknown. 'Pulmonary' means it's a disease that impacts the lungs. 'Fibrosis' means scarring. In all, 'IPF' means an unknown factor is causing scarring of the lungs.
Key Facts About IPF
IPF is Progressive
It worsens over time.
IPF is Different for Everyone
It progresses at different rates for different people and can worsen rapidly without warning.
IPF is Permanent
It causes irreversible damage to the lungs.
Over time, this scarring makes it difficult for the lungs to expand as you breathe. This is what's known as a restrictive lung disease. However, the non-specific symptoms of IPF may lead to misdiagnoses of obstructive lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Unlike IPF and other restrictive lung diseases where the lungs can't fully expand as you inhale, obstructive lung diseases occur when there is lung impairment due to a blockage or narrowing of the airways.
If you are wondering if you may have IPF, you may want to bring this information with you when you see your doctor.
IPF by the Numbers
50,000 new cases
people 50-70 years
Diagnosing and Managing IPF
Diagnosing IPF can be a long and difficult process. In fact, over 50 percent of IPF cases are misdiagnosed at first. That's because the symptoms of IPF are easily confused for other conditions like COPD, cardiac disease, or simply aging.
However, early diagnosis of IPF is important because it is a progressive disease. That means the condition will worsen over time—sometimes very quickly and without warning. While there is no cure for IPF, there are treatments available that may help slow the progression of the disease. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can work with your doctor to assess your treatment options.
Your doctor will likely use several tests and tools to make a diagnosis, including special chest x-rays known as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and lung function tests. A lung biopsy (obtaining lung tissue) is sometimes necessary. Your doctor may refer you to a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a doctor that specializes in treating lung diseases, and likely has the expertise required to diagnose and treat IPF.
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Finding SupportIPF can be an overwhelming and isolating disease. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. It may be helpful for you to connect with other people who are living with IPF. Plus, we're here to offer the information and continued support you need to manage life with IPF. All you need to do is sign up to receive IPF information, tools, and more right in your inbox.
Get an In-Depth Look at IPF
Watch this informative video to learn about IPF, its symptoms, how it affects the body, and how it can be treated. Watch other videos about IPF