Your doctor first evaluates your lungs to diagnose your condition. They will take your medical history, do a physical exam and other tests to be done. Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be developed to control your symptoms and help you feel better. You will be monitored on your treatment plan and changes will be made as needed.

What are the Signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis?

It is important to know the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. These symptoms can vary from very mild to moderate to very severe. Some of the symptoms may be present in the different forms of pulmonary fibrosis, and may vary in severity. Symptoms to be aware of include:

Shortness of breath: usually appears during exercise, progressing to shortness during rest

Cough without sputum: which is dry, irritating and persistent

Clubbing (enlargement) of the fingertips: present in 10-15% of all people with fibrosis

Velcro crackles: noises in the lungs that sound like opening or closing of velcro. Not every one has these noises

Hypoxemia: is a low amount of oxygen in the blood

What are Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis?