Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease characterized by scarring that hampers breathing. It stems from various causes, including environmental hazards and genetic factors. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and dry cough are common, and treatment aims to slow disease progression. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to improving quality of life and outcomes for patients.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition marked by the development of scar tissue within the lungs. This scarring replaces healthy tissue, reducing lung elasticity and impairing the ability to breathe efficiently. Consequently, oxygen transfer to the bloodstream decreases, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. The condition often results from abnormal healing after lung injury, where damaged tissue is replaced with fibrous scar tissue. While some forms of the disease progress slowly, the damage is typically permanent, and early diagnosis is vital for managing symptoms.

Multiple factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, and past medical history, influence the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis. Exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, silica, coal dust, and grain dust, along with radiation and certain medications, contributes to disease development. Symptoms may include persistent dry cough, breathlessness, unexplained weight loss, muscle aches, and finger clubbing. The disease can lead to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries and strain on the right side of the heart, resulting in cor pulmonale. Treatment options like pirfenidone and nintedanib can slow progression, but irreversible lung damage might necessitate lung transplantation in severe cases.