Features of the course of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a special form of chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology; it occurs predominantly in elderly people, affects only the lungs, and is associated with the histological and/or radiological pattern of common interstitial pneumonia. The frequency of this pathology has been increasing in recent years. A timely diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of the disease and prevent the need for lung transplantation.