Pulmonary fibrosis

Find out about the different types of pulmonary fibrosis, the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated. If you have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, use our Pulmonary Fibrosis Passport to check you're getting the right care.

About pulmonary fibrosis

Find out about pulmonary fibrosis

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is the end result of many different conditions that cause scar tissue to build up in your lungs and make breathing increasingly difficult.

What are the causes of pulmonary fibrosis?

On this page we explain the different possible causes for pulmonary fibrosis (the scarring of the lungs).

What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?

The different types of pulmonary fibrosis have similar symptoms. You’ll have tests and speak to a specialist consultant to find out exactly which type you have.

How is pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed?

Pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed through a number of different tests and is a joint effort from specialist teams. On this page we explain the tests you might have if it’s thought you might have pulmonary fibrosis.

Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis

Your treatment will depend on the cause of the fibrosis. Once lung scarring occurs in the lungs it cannot be reversed, so there is no cure for existing fibrosis, whatever the cause.

Questions to ask your health care professional

It can be difficult to know what to ask your GP, nurse or specialist when you have PF.

Types of pulmonary fibrosis

Find out about the different types of pulmonary fibrosis

What is IPF?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung condition that scars your lungs and reduces the efficiency of your breathing.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis, also called sarcoid, is a condition where inflamed cells join together to make tiny lumps called granulomas. This can happen in any part of your body.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

This page is about hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a form of pulmonary fibrosis

Occupational interstitial lung diseases

This page is about pneumoconiosis, which is a group of lung diseases caused by inhaling harmful dusts in the workplace - known as occupational interstitial lung diseases