Pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which scarring occurs in the lungs. It can be caused by an infection (such as tuberculosis or pneumonia) or injury or by breathing certain materials, such as asbestos. Pulmonary fibrosis makes the lungs less elastic and can lead to breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Decreased ability to be active.
- Dry cough.
Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis focuses on relieving symptoms. However, pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease, and there is no known cure.
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
| Last Updated | July 3, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 03, 2007
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