Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in adults: diagnosis and management - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in people aged 18 and over. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose the condition and provide effective symptom management.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease of unknown origin. It is a difficult disease to diagnose and often requires the collaborative expertise of a consultant respiratory physician, radiologist and histopathologist to reach a consensus diagnosis.
Most people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experience symptoms of breathlessness, which may initially be only on exertion. Cough, with or without sputum, is a common symptom. Over time, these symptoms are associated with a decline in lung function, reduced quality of life and ultimately death.


Read full guideline