Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

Alternative names:

fibrosing alveolitis; fibrotic lung diseases; interstitial lung disorders

Definition:

A group of disorders characterized by scarring and thickening of the deep lung tissues, leading to shortness of breath.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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. There are approximately 180 different disorders within this disease classification and are further categorized by known and unknown causes. The known causes of diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis are numerous and include inorganic and organic dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, medications, radiation, and certain lung infections. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and byssinosis (cotton dust) are some of the occupational lung diseases that can lead to diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. The cause may also be unknown (idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis). Risk factors are related to the known causes of these disorders. Smoking increases the risk. People over 40 years old are affected more frequently. The incidence is 1 out of 1000 people.