Pulmonary fibrosis is the medical term for a build-up of scar tissue in the lung. In someone with pulmonary fibrosis, the lungs become scarred, thickened and stiff.^1,2

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs in many types of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). ‘Interstitial’ means the disease affects the interstitium, the lace-like network of tissue that supports the air sacs in your lungs. There are more than 200 different ILDs.¹ Find out more about the different conditions associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

Tiny air sacs (known as alveoli) and blood vessels of the lungs are responsible for providing oxygen to all parts of the body. As pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue and air sacs) develops, it becomes harder for oxygen to pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream. The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis vary from person to person, but in some patients, worsening of the disease can result in shortness of breath and eventually lead to the body's organs not getting enough oxygen to work properly.^2,3 It's important to be aware of all the common symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis.

Although many ILDs are characterised by pulmonary fibrosis, some ILDs are characterised by inflammation.¹

In some types of interstitial lung diseases, the exact cause of this lung scarring can be identified but for many types, a definite cause is never established.^1,4