IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS

Course overview

IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS (IPF) IS A LUNG DISORDER WHERE THERE IS SCARRING OF THE LUNGS FROM AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. IT IS USUALLY A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE WITH A POOR LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS. THE CLASSIC FEATURES OF THE DISORDER INCLUDE PROGRESSIVE DYSPNEA AND A NONPRODUCTIVE COUGH. PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS USUALLY REVEAL RESTRICTIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DIMINISHED CARBON MONOXIDE DIFFUSING CAPACITY. THE DIAGNOSIS IS CLINICALLY AIDED WITH IMAGING TESTS AND A BIOPSY. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE ETIOLOGY, PRESENTATION, EVALUATION, AND MANAGEMENT OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND REVIEWS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN EVALUATING, DIAGNOSING, AND MANAGING THE CONDITION.