What you need to know about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a
fatal lung disease (BPT) - Most people age 50 or older might not
be concerned if they experience shortness of breath from walking
or doing everyday activities. They may believe this is happening
because they are out of shape or have another medical condition.
Most do not assume that shortness of breath might be a result of
a life-threatening illness like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,
or IPF. In fact, most people have probably never even heard of
IPF. For this reason, organizations that support patients and
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are working to raise
awareness of this deadly disease. IPF is a severely debilitating
lung disease that causes swelling and scarring (or fibrosis) of
the lungs. Over time, the disease worsens and breathing becomes
extremely difficult. The lungs lose the ability to take in and
move oxygen throughout the body. Vital organs, like the heart
and kidneys, do not get the oxygen they need to work properly.
Patie