Interstitial Lung Disease

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

In making a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), your doctor will first start by conducting a thorough physical examination. This will include closely listening to your chest with a stethoscope to check for any abnormal sounds while you breathe. Your doctor will also ask about any symptoms you are experiencing, including when they started and how they've progressed or eased over time. Your full medical history will also be recorded.

Symptoms of IPF may mimic those of other lung diseases. Therefore, the condition may be difficult to diagnosis and may require significant time and testing to make an accurate diagnosis. Several visits with your doctor may be needed to finalize your diagnosis and treatment approach.

Diagnosing IPF is often a process of ruling out other conditions. The following tests may be conducted to help make an accurate diagnosis.

• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) -- This test involves a series of breathing maneuvers that measure the airflow and volume of air in your lungs. This allows your doctor to objectively assess the function of your lungs. PFT is recommended for all patients.
• High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) -- This is a special type of CT scan that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs. These images are extremely valuable in determining which type of ILD you have. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT scan; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes. HRCT is recommended for all patients.
• Six Minute Walk Testing -- This test is a formal evaluation of the distance you can walk and the oxygen saturations (measured by finger or ear probe) you achieve while walking. This is an important marker of functional status used by your doctor in managing your condition. The six minute walking test is recommended for all patients.
• Bronchoscopy -- This test involves the passage of a flexible fiberoptic scope about the diameter of a pencil into the lungs to obtain fluid and tissue samples to aid in diagnosis. This test performed by your doctor is an outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Bronchoscopy is recommended for some patients.
• Surgical Lung Biopsy -- This test is required for some patients to definitively diagnose the cause of their lung disease. Surgical lung biopsy is usually performed with small tools and cameras through three to four inch long incisions. A surgical lung biopsy is performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon and requires a few days stay in the hospital.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007