In the Spotlight: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - Demystifying Symptoms, Causes, and the Latest Breakthroughs in Diagnosis and Treatment

What’s idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that causes scarring and lung stiffness.

Symptoms for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

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1.?????? Shortness of breath that increases with time to rest

2.?????? Persistent dry cough

3.?????? Tiredness

4.?????? Loss of weight and appetite

5.?????? Change in fingertips (clubbing)

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Causes of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The causes of IPF have been linked with exposure to dust, fumes, and metal, also being a smoker increases the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis. Medical conditions mainly autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gastroesophageal reflux increase the risk of IPF.

Diagnosis of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The diagnosis of IPF depends on the clinical assessment and the chest CT scan and breathing test mainly TLC and DLCO.

Treatments of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Two medications now are available to slow the progression of IPF pirfenidone and nintedanib.

Oxygen will be needed only for some patients, Lung transplant is only indicated in certain situations.

How common is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

It is hard to put a figure on the incidence of the disease as it can coexist with autoimmune as mentioned. IPF is more common in men than women and mostly affects people over 50 years of age.

Upgrade in the diagnosis and management of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Radiological features of usual interstitial pneumonia in HRCT scans are the hallmark in the diagnosis of IPF by the presence of traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing in the lower and peripheral lung zones. The guidelines suggest the need for multidisciplinary discussion for ascertainment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis. The awareness of IPF increased in the last few years the diagnosis of IPF based on two studies of the 3criteria (worsening of symptoms, progression in the radiological findings, and the physiological progression) in the last year without an alternative explanation for the patient with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (UIP).

For more information or to book an appointment, visit Dr. Gihan Salah El Din Othman's clinic or call 8002211.