Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating chronic lung disease without a clear recognizable cause. IPF has been at the forefront of new diagnostic algorithms and treatment developments that led to a shift in patients’ care in the past decade, indeed influencing the management of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases other than IPF itself. Clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria are briefly addressed in this review article. Additionally, evidence regarding the use of antifibrotics beyond the settings of clinical trials, impact of comorbidities, and therapeutic approaches other than pharmacological treatments are discussed in further detail.

Keywords

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/diagnosis
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/physiopathology
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/therapy
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/rehabilitation