Sometimes, you might experience seemingly ordinary symptoms that show up and disappear unexpectedly—things like acid reflux, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough. At first, these could just feel like the aftermath of an intense meal or perhaps a lingering effect from the flu. However, doctors caution that symptoms related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), including these, can go unnoticed.
Dr. Nicole Ng, an associate director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at Mount Sinai Health System, emphasizes that if these symptoms recur, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional. Sure, these nuisances might not seem critical on their own, but they could indicate an underlying lung issue, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
What is IPF?
IPF is a specific type of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a category that encompasses over 200 different lung disorders. These conditions affect the spaces around the air sacs in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. This makes the lungs stiffer, impairing their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
Some ILDs result from environmental factors or toxins; others appear in individuals with autoimmune diseases that might involve lung issues, like rheumatoid arthritis. Yet, when scans reveal a distinct pattern of scarring without a clear explanation, IPF may be diagnosed. Dr. Ng points out that around 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with IPF annually.
Who gets IPF?
Typically, IPF affects older adults, and because its symptoms develop gradually, they can often be mistaken for normal aging. “You might start noticing that activities you used to find easy, like going for walks or doing household chores, start requiring more effort,” Dr. Ng suggests.
Additionally, as early IPF symptoms are quite common and vague, they may not be identified promptly, leaving some patients undiagnosed for extended periods. Dr. Ng mentions that misdiagnosis can happen often, as individuals may receive multiple treatments for pneumonia before the correct diagnosis emerges. Thus, if you’re not experiencing improvement, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.
IPF is most frequently diagnosed in individuals in their 60s and 70s, and it’s more prevalent in men than women. Dr. Ng adds that smoking is a known risk factor, so quitting is highly advised. The likelihood of developing IPF also rises if there’s a family history.
IPF symptoms
Symptoms of IPF can include:
- Shortness of breath during exercise or daily tasks
- A dry cough that persists
- Severe fatigue that won’t go away
- Clubbing, which is the widening and rounding of the tips of fingers or toes
Treating IPF
Currently, there is no cure for IPF, but early intervention can help slow its advancement, according to Dr. Ng. Treatment approaches may involve:
Antifibrotics
These specific medications can help slow the decline in lung function. Dr. Ng notes that previously there were only two FDA-approved antifibrotics—nintedanib and pirfenidone—but a third option, nerandomilast (Jascayd), received approval last October. This development has provided hope for patients seeking additional treatment options.
Pulmonary rehab
This form of therapy focuses on exercise, breathing techniques, and conserving energy, which may include nutritional guidance. The aim is to help those living with IPF improve their lung capacity and overall quality of life.
Oxygen therapy
As the disease advances, some patients might require supplemental oxygen during activities that induce shortness of breath, such as climbing stairs. In later stages, reliance on oxygen may increase.
Treatments for accompanying conditions
Conditions like reflux, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension are often found alongside IPF. When these issues arise, they are also treated accordingly.
Your takeaway? If you notice a persistent cough or breathing changes that lack a clear reason, it’s best to consult your doctor and ask for further tests. There’s a lot to learn about interstitial lung disease and managing it effectively.
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