P: Introduction to pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of lung conditions that cause scarring and stiffness, affecting how the lungs deliver oxygen to the body. It can result from over 200 causes, including autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis, environmental exposures, smoking, and certain medications or treatments. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific type with no known cause and is not limited to older men – anyone can be affected. Symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance, and having a family history may increase risk. While pulmonary fibrosis cannot yet be fully prevented or cured, early detection, treating underlying causes, and managing progressive pulmonary fibrosis can help slow lung decline.

 

🎥 Watch the Video: Introduction to pulmonary fibrosis (5 short videos)

 

Professor Porter discusses the following in 5 short videos:

Video A: What is pulmonary fibrosis?

• What is pulmonary fibrosis?
• What part of the lung does pulmonary fibrosis affect?
• What causes pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can smoking cause pulmonary fibrosis?
• How many types of pulmonary fibrosis are there?
• Does rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis lead to pulmonary fibrosis?

Video B: Pulmonary fibrosis vs idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

• What does pulmonary fibrosis actually mean?
• Why does pulmonary fibrosis make the lungs stiff?
• Are there really over 200 causes of pulmonary fibrosis?
• What’s the difference between pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
• Why is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis its own separate diagnosis?
• Does idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis only affect older men?
• Can younger people or women get idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis too?
• Is pulmonary fibrosis an umbrella term?
• What percentage of men/women get pulmonary fibrosis?

Video C: Who is at risk from pulmonary fibrosis?

• Who is at risk from pulmonary fibrosis?
• Is having a relative with pulmonary fibrosis a risk factor?
• Is pulmonary fibrosis genetic?
• How do rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis affect the lungs?
• What exposures can cause pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can you get pulmonary fibrosis from smoking?
• Can radiotherapy cause pulmonary fibrosis?

Video D: Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented?

• Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented?
• Can you slow down the decline of pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can treating the cause-disease help pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can you reverse pulmonary fibrosis?
• What is progressive pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can you slow down the progress of PPF?

Video E: Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis

• What are the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis?
• Should you see your doctor if you’ve had a cough for over 6 weeks?
• Should you expect to get short of breath when you get older?

 

 

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[Video published December 2025]