Idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

Alternative names:

idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Definition:

The scarring and thickening of the deep lung tissues of unknown cause.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is a group of diseases of the lower respiratory tract that leads to the loss of the functional alveolar (air sac) units and a limit in the transfer of oxygen from air to blood. There is widespread inflammation and deposition of scar tissue within the lung tissue. Damage to the lung tissue occurs from a response of the immune system of unknown cause (idiopathic means "unknown cause"). The disease is more common in men than in women, and it occurs most often in people between 60 and 70 years old.