RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: What primary care physicians need to know
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 377
OP 386
DO 10.3949/ccjm.85a.17018
VO 85
IS 5
A1 Leslie B. Tolle
A1 Brian D. Southern
A1 Daniel A. Culver
A1 Jeffrey C. Horowitz
YR 2018
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/85/5/377.abstract
AB Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific type of fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. It is usually chronic and progressive, tends to affect mainly adults over age 60, has a predilection for men, and is often fatal. The condition is still underappreciated by pulmonologists and primary care physicians. This article attempts to close that information gap by reviewing the natural course of IPF and presenting an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment based on evidence-based international guidelines. New treatment options are briefly discussed, to raise awareness of new medications that target pulmonary fibrosis.