Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a debilitating disease characterized by scarring or thickening of tissues deep in the lung.

IPF belongs to a family of approximately 200 related diseases, called interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), that have similar characteristics and can result in scarring.

IPF gradually interferes with a person's ability to breathe. It causes shortness of breath and is usually associated with a dry cough. The disease progresses over time, leading to an increase in lung scarring and a worsening of symptoms.

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. The content on this page was originally created on May 5, 2006 by the UNOS and last modified on March 11, 2012. The following sources were used as references:

National Library of Medicine, retrieved May 11, 2006.

This Web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.

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