Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes scarring and stiffening of lung tissues. It commonly occurs in people ages 50-70 and has no known cause in many cases. Diagnosis involves tests like chest X-rays, lung biopsies, and pulmonary function tests. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. While there is no cure, treatments aim to reduce inflammation and complications through medications, oxygen therapy, and possibly lung transplantation in severe cases. Research continues on new drugs that may slow scarring of the lungs.

1. BY BROOKE WINGFIELD Pulmonary Fibrosis