Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for no known reason. Over time, the scars worsen, it becomes difficult to take a deep breath, and the lungs cannot absorb enough oxygen.

IPF is a form of interstitial lung disease that primarily affects interstitial tissue (the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs) and does not directly affect the airways or blood vessels. There are many other types of interstitial lung disease that can also cause inflammation and / or fibrosis and are treated in different ways. It is important to check with your doctor to determine if you have IPF or another form of interstitial lung disease.