WHAT IS IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS (IPF)?

IPF is a specific type of interstitial lung disease (ILD), or diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. 

  • The I in IPF stands for "idiopathic," which means the cause of IPF is unknown
  • "Pulmonary" is another word for lungs
  • "Fibrosis" refers to scarring

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    Know the characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

    IPF is progressive. This means that the scarring caused by IPF will continue to happen, and lung function will continue to get worse

    IPF is unpredictable. It is difficult to know how slowly or quickly IPF will progress. Each person's experience is different

    IPF is irreversible. Once there is scarring in the lungs, it cannot be reversed. Today, there is no cure for IPF, but there are treatment options that may slow its progression

    Ask your doctor about the progression of IPF over time

    Progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis over time

    IPF is progressive, which means that over time the scarring becomes more widespread and lung function declines. IPF progresses rapidly for some people and slowly for others

    Learn more about how Esbriet® (pirfenidone) may help

     

    How IPF affects the lungs

    IPF is scarring of tissue in your lungs

    Impact of IPF on lungs

    This scarring, or fibrosis, may be the result of tiny injuries deep in your lungs that do not heal properly.

    Impact of IPF on alveoli

    These injuries lead to progressive scarring of tissue in the small air sacs in your lungs (called alveoli). This scarring, or fibrosis, causes the lungs to stiffen.

    Impact of IPF on oxygen exchange

    Fibrosis may damage the  lungs' ability to exchange gases such as oxygen with the blood.

    Did you know that the average lung function loss in adults without IPF is 30 mL/year? But in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the progressive scarring in the lung can lead to much greater annual loss.

     

     

    IPF permanently damages lung function

    Currently, there is no cure for IPF, but there are treatment options that may help delay disease progression.

    Learn more about what lung function is and why it may matter to you
    Patient Ambassador Janet

    I want people to realize that IPF is just a disease. The diagnosis is not the end; it is the beginning-the beginning of personal development, potential, and change."

    Janet
    Esbriet Ambassador

    IPF MAKES LUNG FUNCTION WORSE

    Learn about lung function

    Learn more about how IPF damages the lungs.

    Read more

    A TREATMENT OPTION FOR IPF

    Esbriet® (pirfenidone) capsules 267 mg

    Preserving more of your lung function by slowing disease progression is essential, and Esbriet may help.

    Learn more