Knowra Pulmonary fibrosis Pulmonary fibrosis Pulmonary fibrosis is progressive scarring of lung tissue that stiffens the lungs and impairs oxygen transfer. It can arise from known causes or without an identifiable cause.
Alveolar epithelium : The thin cell layer lining the lung’s gas-exchanging air sacs. Damage to these cells can initiate the repair signals that drive scarring.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : A chronic, progressive fibrotic lung disease with no identified cause and a characteristic imaging pattern. It is a well-defined form of pulmonary fibrosis with its own diagnostic criteria and treatments.
Interstitial lung disease : A broad group of disorders affecting lung interstitium, often causing inflammation, scarring, or both. Pulmonary fibrosis is a pattern or outcome found across several interstitial lung diseases.
Pneumonitis : Inflammation of lung tissue caused by infection, immune reactions, or other injury. Inflammation may be reversible, whereas fibrosis denotes persistent structural scarring.
Fibroblast : A connective-tissue cell that produces structural proteins, including collagen. Activated fibroblasts deposit the excess matrix that thickens fibrotic lung tissue.
High-resolution computed tomography : A detailed CT imaging technique that depicts fine structures within the lungs. Its patterns can identify and classify fibrotic changes without surgical biopsy in many cases.
Asbestosis : A lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, often involving interstitial scarring. It is a specific exposure-related cause of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary edema : Excess fluid in the lungs, especially within air spaces and surrounding tissue. It can also cause breathlessness and abnormal imaging, but reflects fluid rather than scar.
Extracellular matrix : The network of proteins and other molecules surrounding cells in tissues. Its excessive accumulation replaces normal lung architecture with stiff scar tissue.
Pulmonary function test : A measurement of lung performance, including airflow, volume, and gas transfer. Serial results help quantify impairment and monitor change over time.
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