Diseases That May Lead to Transplantation

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.

Reference and Publication Information

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The content on this page was originally created on May 5, 2006 by the United Network for Organ Sharing and last modified on May 11, 2006. The following sources were used as references:

National Library of Medicine, retrieved May 11, 2006.

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