Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Causes & Management

Dr.Akshay Budhraja, 2 mins read

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) refers to the scarring of the air sacs in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Normally, when you breathe in, the oxygen moves from the lungs to the bloodstream and then to the whole body.

In IPF, thick scar tissues grow in the lungs, which affects the oxygen flow to the bloodstream. As a result, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen for optimum functioning. This problem gets worse with time and is usually seen in people around 70-75 years of age.

Though there is no cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, proper treatment can slow down the damage to the lungs and ease symptoms.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent dry cough
• Tiredness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen and rounded tips of fingers and toes
• Chest pain or tightness
• Leg swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Joint and muscle aches

These symptoms develop gradually and get worse over time. The outlook is different for everyone. Some may get serious quickly while others may live 10 or more years after diagnosis.

Causes

As the name suggests (idiopathic), there is no clear cause of IPF. However, experts believe some risk factors may raise the chances of developing this condition.

• Exposure to certain dusts
• Acid reflux
• Viral infections
• Smoking
• A family history of IPF

Treatment

As IPF doesn’t have any cure, there are several medications to ease the symptoms and prevent further damage.

• Medications like nintedanib and pirfenidone can help reduce the worsening rate of scarring.
• Join a pulmonary rehabilitation health program to learn techniques to breathe more easily.
• Consider oxygen therapy (breathing through a mask) to get relief from shortness of breath.
• Stop smoking, eat healthy and exercise as advised by your doctor.
• A lung transplant is also advised in fewer cases.

If you’re experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms, don’t ignore them. Visit Aakash Healthcare and consult our pulmonologists for guidance and support.