Pulmonary Fibrosis
Medical Author (Revision): George Schiffman, M.D.
Medical Editor (Revision): Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is pulmonary fibrosis?
"Fibrosis" is a term used to refer to scarring, so
pulmonary fibrosis means scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can
be caused by many conditions including chronic inflammatory processes (sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis
), infections, environmental agents (asbestos, silica, exposure to
certain gases), exposure to ionizing radiation (such as radiation therapy to
treat tumors of the chest), chronic conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis),
and certain medications.
In a condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis,
fibrosis of the lung can develop following a heightened immune reaction to
inhaled organic dusts or
occupational chemicals. This condition most often results from inhaling dust
contaminated with bacterial, fungal, or animal products.
In some people, chronic pulmonary inflammation and
fibrosis develop without an identifiable cause. Most of these people have a
condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that does not respond to
medical therapy, while some of the other types of fibrosis, such as nonspecific
interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP),
may respond to immune suppressive therapy.
Synonyms (other names) for various types of pulmonary
fibrosis that have been used in the past include chronic interstitial
pneumonitis, Hamman-Rich Syndrome, and diffuse fibrosing alveolitis.
Next: What are pulmonary fibrosis symptoms? »
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Last Editorial Review: 12/6/2006
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