Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Overview

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition that leads to irreversible scarring of the lungs.  The most common type of pulmonary fibrosis is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and it has no known cause.  The prevalence of IPF increases with age and it is more common in men.

Causes

  • Idiopathic (unknown cause)

  • Radiation (radiation treatment to chest)

  • Medications (amiodarone, chemotherapy)

  • Environmental (exposure to mold, hypersensitivity pneumonitis)

  • Autoimmune (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)

  • Occupational (exposure to asbestos, silica, coal)

  • Hereditary

Risk Factors

  • Cigarette smoking

  • Acid reflux

  • Exposure to stone, metal, organic dusts

Symptoms

  • Dry cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Aching joints and muscles

  • Clubbing (rounding of fingers and toes)

  • Weight loss

 

Diagnosis

  • History and physical examination

  • Labs (ANA, HS screen, RF)

  • Pulmonary function test

  • Six minute walk test

  • CT Scan of chest

  • Lung biopsy
     

Treatment

  • Supplemental oxygen

  • Medications (Ofev, Esbriet)

  • Prevention and treatment of acid reflux

  • Smoking cessation

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation

  • Lung transplant


Patient education and resources


Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis

Chest Foundation - Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonaryfibrosis.org

Dr. Vakil is wonderful. His office staff is friendly, competent, and respond in a very timely fashion. I chose him as my pulmonologist because I was once an RN for his critical patients in the hospital. He is a great physician! Kind, caring, has a great bedside manner, and always was great with the nursing staff as well. His care has made a huge difference in my chronic, lifelong respiratory issues. 10/10.
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Angela W.
Dr. Vakil is very knowledgeable and he spent time to listen to me and laid out my symptom in facts. His staff is wonderful too. I highly recommended Dr. Vakil.
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Huimin Z. (Zocdoc)
Dr. Vakil was friendly, listened to my comments, asked good questions, and helped me understand things. He came up with a plan of action.
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Thomas H. (Zocdoc)
He was great. He asked plenty of questions concerning the reason for the visit. He was attentive to my issue and took his time to explain possible reasons for my symptoms. I would definitely recommend him!
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Dayana R. (Zocdoc)
Dr. Vakil was very attentive. He explained everything in detail. He did not seem rushed like many other physicians do. His staff is also very nice and I was able to get an appointment the day after I called. I will definitely be following up with Dr. Vakil and I recommend him to anyone who needs a pulmonologist.
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Anonymous (Vitals.com)
Staff can be nice. Dr. Vakil can be very thorough and has great bedside manners. There is a particular person that I always love coming across, her name is Patricia. She gives me great positive vibes and is very professional. Great doctor and staff can go along way.
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Yhas V.
I just moved to Texas and was nervous about starting with a new doctor. I have sleep issues and needed a new cpap machine. Lily and Patricia worked with me on the whole process. Dr. Vakil was very patient and caring. They together got me set up fast. I am very happy with the outcome. Would recommend!!! Loving Texas!!!
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Christina G.
Everyone is always so kind and helpful. Patricia stood out and is always of great help. Dr.Vakil as able to explain things very well, he is compassionate, considerate, kind and has great bed side manners.
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Sasha V.
I was quickly seen by Dr. Vakil and after our discussion he suggested a plan of action for me to follow. In addition, I forgot my credit card at home. Patricia was very nice and accepted a picture of my credit card as payment for my visit. Unfortunately, the parking attendant was not able accept a picture of my credit card. Without me even asking Patricia offered to loan me the money to pay for my parking fee. It is so refreshing to find someone that trusted another human being that they barely knew.
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Brice C.
Dr. Vakil is professional and personable. His staff is very professional and warm. If you need a lung doctor he is the way to go.
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Nancee M.
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