Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Explanation [HD]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (or IPF) is a rare, progressive and irreversible interstitial Lung disease (or ILD)[1], characterized by fibrosis of the lung interstitium, decreased lung volumes and progressive pulmonary insufficiency[2]. The cause of the lung scarring is unknown, hence the term “idiopathic”.

IPF causes permanent damage to the lungs. The progressive fibrosis prevents muscles, the heart and other organs from receiving enough oxygen to work properly and, eventually, the lungs become hardened and stop working[3,4].

References
1. Navaratnam, V et al. Thorax, 2011; 66: 462-467
2. Raghu G et al. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2015;192(2):e3–e19
3. Selman M & Pardo A. Resp Res 2002;3:3
4. Raghu G et al. Lancet Resp Med 2014;2:566–572

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