Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) usually present with a subtle onset of breathlessness with exercise. Over time there is a progressive worsening of breathlessness as oxygen transfer to the blood decreases. Right-sided heart failure often develops.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Lungs can become scarred for a variety of reasons and when they do it can result in the restrictive breathing problem known as pulmonary fibrosis. Silica dust and asbestos are well known causes, but chemotherapy, scarring from disease and radiation therapy can also cause the problem. Even acid reflux (GERD) can be a cause or contributing factor.
There is nothing that can reverse the effects of lung scarring. Treatment with steroids may be tried, and providing external oxygen can make breathing easier. Also possible is pulmonary rehab. Pulmonary fibrosis is an area being researched, so look for new treatments and clinical trials. Lung transplantation is also possible.
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Pulmonary fibrosis can have symptoms of slowly developing shortness of breath that gets progressively worse with activities. Most patients also have a chronic cough; however, the symptoms of this disease are very non specific and can be shared with many other lung and heart problems. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and frequent lung infections. You should see your primary care physician if you are suffering from these symptoms.