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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
It is useful to understand what the following words mean:
Idiopathic means ‘of unknown cause’.
Pulmonary means ‘affecting the lungs’.
Fibrosis means ‘thickening’ or ‘scarring’.
IPF is a buildup of scar tissue in the lungs. The scar tissue damages the lungs and makes it hard to expand for oxygen to get in. Not getting enough oxygen to the body can cause serious health problem.
IPF is generally seen in individuals above 60 years of age and is more common in men than women. However, it can affect anybody in any age.
Causes
Causes of IPF are unknown. However, smokers and patients with a family history of IPF are more prone to get the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to develop gradually:
Shortness of breath that gradually becomes worse is the main symptom. This is due to the reduced amount of oxygen that gets into the bloodstream. Shortness of breath on exertion may be noticed at first.
A dry cough often develops (a cough with little or no sputum).
Finger or toenail clubbing occurs in about half of cases. Clubbing is a painless swelling at the base of the nails.
An increased risk of developing chest infections.
Diagnosis
Specialized tests include a high resolution CT scan of the chest (HRCT), Pulmonary function tests and rarely a lung biopsy.
Treatment
No drugs exist to reverse the scarring process that has already occurred in the lung. Antifibrotic drugs have shown to slow the process of lung scarring. Other treatment options include supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, vaccination and lung transplantation at advanced centres.
What People Are Saying About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Services And Treatments
Read What Our Patients Have To Say. Thank You For Your Trust And Support!
Rahul
I, Rahul Sharma, had the privilege of receiving treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) from Dr. J.P. Agrawal, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the care I received. Dr. Agrawal’s expertise in Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, combined with his compassionate approach, has made a significant difference in my journey with IPF.
Abhijeeet
Thanks to Dr. Agrawal’s expertise and dedication, I have seen significant improvements in my IPF symptoms and overall quality of life. I highly recommend Dr. J.P. Agrawal to anyone seeking expert treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His professionalism, compassion, and commitment to patient care make him an invaluable resource for anyone living with this challenging condition.
