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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
DefinitionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring or thickening of tissues deep in the lung without a known cause.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract that damages the air sacs (alveoli) and leads to reduced transfer of oxygen to the blood. It causes widespread scarring of the lung.
The condition is believed to result from an inflammatory response to an unknown agent -- "idiopathic" means no cause can be found. The disease occurs most often in people between 50 and 70 years old. Nearly 75% of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have smoked cigarettes.
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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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