Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

One reason pulmonary fibrosis often goes misdiagnosed is that symptoms of PF are non-specific, meaning they can be similar to symptoms experienced with other lung diseases. Most people with PF develop symptoms between the ages of 50 and 70 years. If you have any of the symptoms below, talk with your healthcare provider right away and be persistent if you feel your lung health is not improving. Keeping track of your symptoms will not only help you establish a baseline, but it will help you notice if your symptoms are changing or worsening. Always report any changes in symptom presentation to your healthcare provider.

• Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise
• Persistent dry, cough
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Gradual unintended weight loss
• Tiredness
• Aching joints and muscles
• Clubbing (widening and rounding) of the tips of the fingers or toes

If you are diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, learn more about managing symptoms and side effects.