Thank you to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust (visit our links page to connect through to the charity) for their input to our radio report which you can hear again at the bottom of this page.
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Understanding the Condition. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious lung disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. Over time, this scarring makes the lungs become stiffer, making it increasingly difficult to breathe and for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Although there is currently no cure, earlier diagnosis, specialist care and modern treatments can help slow the progression of some types of pulmonary fibrosis and improve quality of life.
What are the symptoms? The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis often develop gradually and can easily be mistaken for other conditions or simply getting older. Common symptoms include:
If you experience persistent breathlessness or a cough that doesn't improve, it's important to seek medical advice.
Who is at risk? Pulmonary fibrosis is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 60, although it can affect younger adults. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to dusts such as asbestos or silica, certain autoimmune diseases, some medications and a family history of pulmonary fibrosis. However, many people who develop the most common form, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), have no identifiable cause.
Diagnosis. Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis can take time because its symptoms overlap with more common conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your GP may arrange initial tests before referring you to a specialist lung team. Diagnosis often involves breathing tests, blood tests and a high-resolution CT scan to assess the lungs.
Treatment and support. While pulmonary fibrosis cannot usually be reversed, there are treatments that can help manage the condition. Depending on the type of pulmonary fibrosis, treatment may include medications that slow the progression of scarring, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, oxygen therapy and support to help manage symptoms. In some cases, a lung transplant may be considered.
Living with pulmonary fibrosis can be physically and emotionally challenging, but many people continue to lead active and fulfilling lives with the right support from healthcare professionals, family, carers and patient organisations.
Why raising awareness matters. Pulmonary fibrosis remains one of the least recognised serious lung conditions in the UK. Because early symptoms are often mistaken for ageing, lack of fitness or more common respiratory illnesses, many people experience delays in receiving the correct diagnosis. Increasing public awareness can help more people recognise the symptoms earlier, seek medical advice sooner and access specialist treatment at the earliest opportunity.
If you have concerns about a persistent cough or breathlessness or would like more information about pulmonary fibrosis, speak to your GP or visit the website the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, which you can reach via our links page.
Listen to this weeks radio report
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