Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which scarring occurs in the lungs; it can be caused by an infection (such as tuberculosis or pneumonia) or injury or by breathing certain materials, such as asbestos. Pulmonary fibrosis makes the lungs less elastic and can lead to breathing problems.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include:

Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis focuses on relieving symptoms. But pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease, and there is no known cure.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 28, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine

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