Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung condition characterised by scarring of the lung tissue, which leads to progressively more difficult breathing. The exact cause of IPF remains unknown, but it predominantly affects individuals aged between 70 and 75, and is uncommon in those under 50. While there are various treatments available that can slow the progression of IPF, there is currently no cure to halt or reverse the lung scarring. Symptoms typically appear gradually and worsen over time.
When to seek medical help
If you've been having difficulty breathing for some time or have had a cough lasting over three weeks, it's important to see your GP. These symptoms are not typical and should not be overlooked. If your GP suspects you may have a lung condition like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), they can refer you to a specialist at the hospital for further evaluation. This may include various tests such as lung function tests, blood tests, a chest X-ray, a CT scan, and possibly a lung biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of lung tissue through keyhole surgery for examination. To learn more about the tests used to diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, please seek further information.
Professionals who treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (46)
Dr Iyad Ismail
Respiratory consultant
Dr Himanshu Singh
Consultant
Dr Rama Vancheeswaran
Consultant
Mr Kelvin Lau
Consultant Thoracic and Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Dr Rudy Sinharay
Consultant respiratory physician
Dr Mostafa Negmeldin
Consultant respiratory physician
Dr Syed Shah
Respiratory Physician
Dr Prasanna Sankaran
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Sundeep Kaul
Respiratory medicine and critical care
Dr Syed Hassan
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Kasturi Mandal
Consultant Haematologist
Dr Richard Morton
Respiratory medicine specialist and Internal medicine
Dr Ravish Mankragod
Consultant respiratory physician
Dr Adam Ainley
Consultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Jay Mukherjee
Respiratory Medicine
Professor Indranil Chakravorty
Respiratory Medicine
Professor Keith Gomez
Haematology
Professor Margaret Johnson
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Ahmed Habib
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr Shruthi Konda
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Anant Patel
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Angela B Jones
Consultant
Dr Anne Mier
Respiratory and general medicine
Dr David Taylor
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Deepak Rao
Consultant
Dr Dipak Mukherjee
Respiratory and general medicine consultant
Dr Dora Amran
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Edward Cetti
Consultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Fasihul Khan
Consultant respiratory physician
Dr Francesco Lo Giudice
Cardiology
Dr Hannah Douglas
Cardiology
Dr James Goldring
Respiratory Medicine
Dr John Gerry Coghlan
Cardiology
Dr Ahmed Fahim
Consultant respiratory physician and General medicine specialist
Dr Bhashkar Mukherjee
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Dean Creer
Respiratory medicine specialist
Dr Karen Breen
Haematology
Dr Marcus Pittman
Respiratory and Sleep Consultant
Dr Muhammed Raashed
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Praveen Molanguri
Consultant
Dr R. Salman
Consultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Rory McDermott
Consultant Respiratory and General Medicine Physician
Dr Safin Rahman
Consultant
Dr Sunil Patel
Consultant
Dr Swapna Mandal
Respiratory Medicine
Dr Tim Gatheral
Respiratory physician