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  1. Home
  2. Lung Health & Diseases
  3. Lung Disease Lookup
  4. Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
  5. Introduction

Introduction to Pulmonary Fibrosis

Learn what you need to know about pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, including information about PF types and risk factors, symptoms and diagnosis.

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a condition that describes scarring of the lungs—called fibrosis—a process in which the tissue in the lungs thicker and stiffer than normal. PF makes it harder for the lungs to expand and for oxygen to be absorbed from the lungs into bloodstream. These changes result in symptoms such as feeling short of breath and cough.

Learning to Live with Pulmonary Fibrosis Workbook

Download the Learning to Live with Pulmonary Fibrosis Workbook and get all you need to know about managing and living with pulmonary fibrosis.
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Key Points

    • PF falls under a larger group of diseases called interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILDs cause inflammation and/or scarring around the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. When scarring occurs, we call this pulmonary fibrosis. 
    • Most often the cause of PF is unknown. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). PF can also be caused by inhaling hazardous chemicals, injury from environmental or occupational exposures, as a complication of certain medications or other conditions, or the result of autoimmune conditions. In addition, genetic factors play an important role. 
    • PF is a chronic lung disease, which means symptoms may be treated, but there is no cure. Progression of PF can vary both by cause and by person, so there isn’t a sure way to predict what your individual experience will be. It’s important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms that indicate progression and communicate those to your healthcare provider.

Types & Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

There are many different types of pulmonary fibrosis. The most common is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. This type of pulmonary fibrosis has no known cause. But there are other factors that can cause or increase your risk.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Shortness of breath and dry cough are the primary symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.

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How Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosed?

Pulmonary fibrosis can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important to see a specialist to get an expert opinion. See the different tools your doctor will use to determine if you have pulmonary fibrosis and disease severity.

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Page last updated: January 15, 2026

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