Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease. It causes inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) of tissue in the lungs. It occurs most often in people aged 50-70.
Idiopathic means the cause is not known.
Researchers think that IPF is an exaggerated and uncontrolled inflammatory response. This produces the scar tissue. What starts the cycle is not known. Over time, scarring surrounds the thin walled air sacs in the lungs. This makes the tissue thicker and stiffer. As a result, breathing becomes difficult. The lungs gradually lose their ability to pass oxygen to the rest of the body.
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Although the cause of IPF is not known, the factors below may increase the risk of getting it:
- Sex: male
- Age: 50 and older
- Cigarette smoking
- Viral infection
- Occupational exposures to dusts containing silica, bacteria, and animal proteins or to gases and fumes
- Medications such as nitrofurantoin , sulfasalazine , amiodarone , propranolol , methotrexate , cyclophosphamide , bleomycin
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Other family members with IPF
Over time, the symptoms get worse. This makes daily activities difficult. People with IPF gradually start to have some or all of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, at first only during or after physical activity, but later also when resting
- Dry cough
- Gradual weight loss
- Fatigue
- Clubbing (enlargement of the fingertips or sometimes the toes)
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. One or more of the following tests may be performed:
- Chest x-ray or CT scan —to view the lungs and check for scarring
- Pulmonary function tests —to measure the size and effectiveness of the lungs
- Blood test—to tell how well the lungs are taking up oxygen
- Exercise test on treadmill or stationary bicycle—to measure how well the lungs and heart work during physical activity
- Bronchoalveolar lavage—fluid is put into the airways and then removed to study the cells and check for signs of inflammation
- Lung biopsy —a small sample of lung tissue is removed and studied; usually required to confirm a diagnosis of IPF
There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and slow the disease process. This is done by reducing inflammation and scarring. The tissue that is already scarred cannot be returned to normal.
Medication is the main form of treatment. It does not work for some people. Options may include:
- Combination of prednisone to reduce inflammation and cytoxan or azathioprine to reduce the body’s immune response
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To dampen the progression of the fibrosis your doctor may recommend:
- High dose n-acetylcysteine
- Pirfenidone
- Interferon-gamma 1b
- Coumadin
- Etanercept
- Bosentan
- Imatinib
- Sildenafil
- Pirfenidone
- Colchicine
- Methotrexate
- Penicillamine
- Cyclosporine
GERD will need to be treated. This most often involves the use of medication and lifestyle changes.
- Some people may need to receive oxygen. This will help them breathe.
- A pulmonary rehab program may also improve lung function.
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A healthy lifestyle may also help slow the disease. This includes:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Rest
- Not smoking
- Lung transplantation may be considered for people with advanced IPF who do not respond to other treatment.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Christine Colpitts, CRT, MA
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.