Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis
Other names	Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
Lung with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis at autopsy
Clubbing of the fingers in pulmonary fibrosis
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Shortness of breath, dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, nail clubbing[1]
Complications	Pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, lung cancer[2]
Causes	Tobacco smoking, environmental pollution, certain medications, connective tissue diseases, interstitial lung disease, unknown[1][3]
Treatment	Oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation[4]
Medication	Pirfenidone, nintedanib[4]
Prognosis	Poor[3]
Frequency	>5 million people[5]

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which the lungs become scarred over time.^[1] Symptoms include shortness of breath, a dry cough, feeling tired, weight loss, and nail clubbing.^[1] Complications may include pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, and lung cancer.^[2]

Causes include environmental pollution, certain medications, connective tissue diseases, infections, and interstitial lung diseases.^[1][3][6] However, in most cases the cause is unknown, and termed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.^[1][3] Diagnosis may be based on symptoms, medical imaging, lung biopsy, and lung function tests.^[1]

No cure exists and only limited treatment options are available.^[1] Treatment is directed towards efforts to improve symptoms and may include oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.^[1][4] Certain medications may be used to try to slow the worsening of scarring.^[4] Lung transplantation may occasionally be an option.^[3] At least 5 million people are affected globally.^[5] Life expectancy is generally less than five years.^[3]