What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Pulmonary Fibrosis(PF) is a disease in which over a period of time the lung tissues become thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the blood stream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't get the oxygen they need.

In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in most cases there is not a known cause. When there is no known etiology (cause) for the development of lung fibrosis (and certain radiographic and/or pathologic criteria are met) the disease is called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, or IPF. IPF affects approximately 200,000 Americans and an estimated 40,000 Americans pass away from IPF each year.
(source: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation)

The lung damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis cannot be repaired, but medications and therapies can sometimes help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. A lung transplant may be an option for some people. Pulmonary fibrosis can develop slowly or quickly and researchers are working tirelessly to develop a cure.