A 67-Year-Old Man with Chronic Cough and Dyspnea, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
IPF: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and usually fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by fibrosis of the lung parenchyma with no identifiable cause. It is the most common and deadly form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. 1. Cause and Etiology Idiopathic nature : As the name implies, the precise cause of IPF remains unknown despite extensive research. Proposed risk factors : Genetic predisposition : Mutations in genes involved in epithelial integrity and surfactant homeostasis (e.g., TERT , TERC , SFTPC , SFTPA2 , MUC5B ) are linked with familial and sporadic cases. Environmental exposure : Chronic inhalation of organic or inorganic dusts, metal particles, smoking, and agricultural exposure may contribute. Age-related changes : Aging-associated changes in immune function, epithelial cell senescence, and telomere shortening are implica...