chronic

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

(IPF), formerly known as cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, is a rare, progressive illness of the system, characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung , that surrounds the air sacs, and is associated with the formation of scar tissue. It is a type of pulmonary fibrosis characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Shortness of breath, dry coughing

Causes — why it happens

·Unknown

How it's found

·CT scan, lung

Treatment

· rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen, lung

Complications

· , heart failure, , pulmonary embolism

Outlook

·Life expectancy ~ 4 years

More in Lungs

Asthma COPD Pneumonia Tuberculosis Lung cancer Pulmonary fibrosis Sleep apnea Cystic fibrosis Bronchitis Influenza Pulmonary embolism Silicosis

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.