Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a gradual scarring of the lungs that gets worse over time. 'Idiopathic' means that the cause of the scarring is not known. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis used to be known as 'cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis'.

The scarring makes it more difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen, which can make you more breathless after normal everyday activities, such as walking up the stairs. You may have a cough that does not go away. Over time, as the scarring worsens, the lungs are unable to work properly, making everyday activities more difficult.

At the moment, there is no cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms of the disease.