Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition that affects the lungs. It triggers the development of a scar tissue in the lungs that reduces oxygen flow from the lungs to the bloodstream. It can also make it difficult for the person to breathe. It may also keep the body from functioning optimally. The symptoms and severity of the disorder vary among patients with IPF. In some cases, it worsens quickly while others can live for many years after the condition has been diagnosed.

There is no known cure for this condition but treatment can help reduce the rate of damage to the lungs and improve the patient’s quality of life. Unfortunately, treatment does not usually provide relief against the symptoms. In some cases, a lung transplant may be needed. To get the best form of treatment, it is essential to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Similarly, understanding the causes of IPF can help people reduce their risk of developing the condition to a certain extent.

Symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Many people suffer from IPF for many years before being diagnosed with the condition. This is because the symptoms may be confused with other respiratory infections. Symptoms may become more pronounced as the condition is aggravated and the scarring in the lungs worsens. Some of the characteristics symptoms associated with IPF are:

• A persistent, dry cough
• Shortness of breath especially when walking or participating in physical activities. In its advanced stages, the condition can cause shortness of breath even when the person is at rest.
• Shallow breathing
• Feeling more tired than usual without having exerted any extra effort
• Pain in the muscles and joints
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
• Clubbing – this refers to the widening of the tips of the fingers and toes. They may resemble the shape of a spoon.

Causes
In most cases, the exact cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is hard to identify, hence the name ‘idiopathic’. Sometimes. This condition may be triggered by an infection and the prolonged use of certain types of medication and exposure to certain toxins in the environment. Some people have a higher risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as compared to others because of certain risk factors such as:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Breathing in air that contains metal or wood dust
• Being diagnosed with acid reflux disease
• Receiving radiation to the chest as treatment of certain types of cancer
• Use of certain types of chemotherapy medication

The condition has been diagnosed in children but it is more likely to affect adults over the age of 50 years. Men have a higher risk of developing this condition as compared to women.

In some cases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may run in families. In such cases, the gene that triggers the disease is passed from the parents to their children. Doctors have not yet been able to identify the gene that causes this disease.