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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Alternate Names : CFA, Cryptogenic Fibrosing Alveolitis, Fibrosing Alveolitis, Idiopathic Diffuse Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, IPF, Pulmonary Fibrosis, UIP, Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis
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Diagnosis & Tests
In addition to a physical examination, your health care provider will take a careful history in order to exlude other similar diseases.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have dry, Velcro-like breath sounds called crackles. Patients with advanced disease may have cyanosis (blueness around the mouth or in the fingernails due to low oxygen).
Examination of the fingers and toes may reveal clubbing (abnormal enlargement of the tips).
Tests that help diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis include the following:
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Study authors stress new method is a complement to current testing.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Tests & Exams
• Chest X-Ray
• Lung Needle Biopsy
• Pulmonary Function Tests
• Thoracic CT
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chest Pain
• Clubbing of the Fingers or Toes
• Cough
• Lung Disease - Resources
• Physical Examination
• Respiratory
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
Review Date : 7/17/2002
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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