Q: Diagnosis and treatments of PF

Pulmonary fibrosis is diagnosed primarily through high resolution CT (HRCT) scans and lung function tests, usually arranged by a specialist following a GP referral. Diagnosis can take several weeks, depending on the patient’s pathway. Treatment includes medications such as Nintedanib and Pirfenidone, which can slow disease progression, and in cases with underlying autoimmune causes, steroids or other targeted therapies. Non-drug treatments – including pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, breathing exercises, as well as lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking – can improve symptoms and quality of life. Patients may be monitored at home, but regular specialist review is essential, and in select cases, lung transplantation may be considered. Disease severity is often tracked using ‘stages’ based on symptoms, imaging and lung function, helping guide treatment and management.

 

🎥 Watch the Video: Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis (5 short videos)

 

Professor Porter discusses the following in 5 short videos:

Video F: Diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis

• How do you diagnose pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can you diagnose pulmonary fibrosis by a CT scan?
• What is a high resolution CT scan (HRCT)?
• Can your GP arrange a scan if you think you have pulmonary fibrosis?
• How long does it take to get a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis?

Video G: Treatments for pulmonary fibrosis

• What are the treatments for pulmonary fibrosis?
• Are there non-drug treatments for pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can pulmonary rehab help in pulmonary fibrosis?
• Does oxygen therapy work in pulmonary fibrosis?
• How can exercising help pulmonary fibrosis patients?
• What is Nintedanib / Ofev?
• What is Pirfenidone / Esbriet?
• How do Nintedanib and Pirfenidone work in pulmonary fibrosis?
• What are the side effects of Nintedanib and Pirfenidone?
• Can you manage the side effects of Nintedanib and Pirfenidone?
• Can steroids help in pulmonary fibrosis?
• Are the treatments different for pulmonary fibrosis if you have an underlying cause?
• Is lung transplantation a cure for pulmonary fibrosis?
• Which pulmonary fibrosis patients are eligible for a lung transplant?

Video H: Lifestyle changes

• Which lifestyle changes can help in pulmonary fibrosis?
• What can I do to help manage my pulmonary fibrosis?
• How can exercise help pulmonary fibrosis patients?
• Which exercises are helpful in pulmonary fibrosis?
• How do I keep my muscles strong with pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can singing help my breathing?
• Should I stop smoking if I have pulmonary fibrosis?

Video I: Post diagnosis

• Can pulmonary fibrosis patients be monitored from home?
• How can I help a patient with pulmonary fibrosis at home?
• Can a patient monitor their pulmonary fibrosis symptoms at home?
• How often should I see my pulmonary fibrosis specialist doctor?

Video J: What are the stages of pulmonary fibrosis?

• What are the stages of pulmonary fibrosis?
• How do you define the stages of pulmonary fibrosis?
• Can lung function tests help in staging pulmonary fibrosis?

 

 

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[Video published December 2025]