Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)

Overview

Causes include dust and mold exposure, some medicines, autoimmune disease, and unknown (idiopathic).

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

Less common

• Tiredness
• Clubbed fingertips

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fatigue · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Lung injury and scarring.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Older age
• Dust exposure

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT scan:
• Breathing tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Don't smoke
• Get flu, COVID, and pneumonia vaccines
• Join pulmonary rehab

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or catch problems early:

• Avoid smoke and dust

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment slows it.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring)