As defined by MayoClinic.com, lung fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis, is a serious medical disorder that causes lung tissues to become thick, stiff or scarred over a period of time. Pulmonary fibrosis progresses with repeated destruction of alveoli present in the lungs, which results in difficulty with breathing. The American Lung Association states that pulmonary fibrosis is not curable and individuals suffering from this disease live only about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. There are three types of lung fibrosis.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation states that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of the types of lung fibrosis that is characterized by presence of thickened, stiff and scarred lung tissues. Although numerous separate diseases can result in pulmonary fibrosis, there is no known cause. This absence of known etiology for the disease is known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation further reports about 200,000 Americans are affected by IPF, and an estimated 40,000 Americans pass away from IPF every year.
Cystic Fibrosis
According to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cystic fibrosis is a serious life-threatening inherited disorder that affects lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis results in the formation of thick, sticky mucus to cause obstruction in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This sticky mucus blocks the airways that lead to difficult breathing and life-threatening lung infections. In the pancreas, it causes obstruction that interferes with normal digestion process. Individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis have a shorter than normal life expectancy. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation states that cystic fibrosis affects lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.
Interstitial Lung Fibrosis
As defined by MayoClinic.com, Interstitial lung fibrosis is a group of disorder that causes progressive scarring of lung tissues. The term interstitial is used because this disorder mostly affects the interstitium or lung tissues, which is present between the alveoli. Mostly interstitial lung fibrosis develops gradually but some can come suddenly as well. The various symptoms of interstitial lung fibrosis are dry cough, chest pain, wheezing, and difficult breathing. Some of the cases of ILF may improve with treatment through medication after inflammation. However, oxygen therapy may be required as a part of treatment in some individuals.
