IPF, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal lung disease. It is characterized by scarring or thickening of the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, and other breathing-related issues. The four stages of IPF vary from mild to severe and include:
Stage 1: Mild IPF. At this stage, the patient may experience mild symptoms such as a dry cough and slight shortness of breath. Abnormalities on a chest x-ray can be detected at this stage, but the lungs are still able to function normally.
Stage 2: Moderate IPF. At this stage, the patient may experience more severe symptoms such as fatigue, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Abnormalities on a chest x-ray are more pronounced, and the lungs are beginning to lose their ability to function normally.
Stage 3: Severe IPF. At this stage, the patient may experience even more severe symptoms such as extreme fatigue, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Abnormalities on a chest x-ray are very pronounced, and the lungs are severely impaired, leading to difficulty in performing everyday activities.
Stage 4: End-stage IPF. At this final stage, the patient may experience extreme fatigue, a persistent dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Abnormalities on a chest x-ray are very pronounced, and the lungs are severely impaired. This is the most advanced stage of IPF and is ultimately fatal.
Throughout the course of IPF, patients are monitored closely by their healthcare team to ensure that their condition is managed properly. The goal is to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and to slow the progression of the disease so that the patient can live as full of a life as possible.