Pulmonary fibrosis on the rise: know the signs and symptoms

Learn the signs, risks and treatments for pulmonary fibrosis — a life-limiting lung disease often misdiagnosed. Early awareness could help you or a loved one live better.

Have you heard of the lung scarring condition, pulmonary fibrosis? If not, you’re not alone. Nearly a third of people in the UK have never heard of this terminal lung condition that has a worse outcome than many common cancers.*

Pulmonary fibrosis underdiagnosed

Awareness among health professionals is also low. A survey from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) revealed that over three-quarters (77%) of people with pulmonary fibrosis said their GP didn’t tell them they might have the condition before referring them to the hospital.**

What is pulmonary fibrosis (or lung scarring)?

Pulmonary fibrosis describes scar tissue in the lungs. Scarring makes the lungs stiffer and less stretchy. This means it’s harder for the lungs to work normally, and ultimately, there is less oxygen for the body to use.

There is no single cause of pulmonary fibrosis. However, there are risk factors, including long-term exposure to certain toxins, radiation therapy, some medicines and certain medical conditions that can lead to inflammation or lung cells ageing too quickly. However, in some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is not known.

Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms. For instance, antifibrotic medications can slow down the build-up of scar tissue.

Currently, there is no cure for pulmonary
fibrosis, but there are treatments
to help manage symptoms.

Know the signs early

Common symptoms can include a persistent dry cough, breathlessness, fatigue and tiredness and unexplained weight loss, but many people aren’t diagnosed until late and miss out on the support and treatments they need.

If you or someone you know has symptoms, make an appointment to see your GP. Ask them: ‘Could this be pulmonary fibrosis?’ You can also ask your GP to listen to your chest for a crackling sound in the lungs.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is the leading UK charity dedicated to offering tailored support, trusted information, and driving bold research toward a cure for people affected by PF so more people affected by the condition can live well for longer.  

*The survey was conducted by More In Common Poll with over 2,000 responses in July 2023.
**Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis survey June 2023 with over 1,000 responses from patients and carers across the UK.