Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease in which the tissue of the lungs becomes thick and stiff from progressive scarring, without an identifiable cause, which makes it hard for oxygen to pass into the blood.

Frequent symptoms:

• Shortness of breath that worsens with exertion
• Persistent dry cough
• Tiredness and, at times, weight loss

When to see a doctor? It is advisable to seek care when the difficulty breathing progresses over time or the dry cough does not subside within weeks.

Which specialist treats it? The pulmonologist is the one who evaluates and follows up on this condition, with support from the internist or critical care medicine in acute cases. If you notice these signs, the wisest thing is to request a professional evaluation to guide the next steps.