Bullet flag-united-kingdom flag-ireland

Respiratory

Chiesi has been committed to the development of medicines to treat respiratory diseases for more than 30 years. Thanks to modern treatments, patients have an improved chance to live more active lives

Asthma

COPD

Cystic Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition that occurs when the small air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, become damaged and develop scars.1 This makes it hard to breathe because the air sacs can’t expand as well as they should.1

There are approximately 8000 new cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis each year in the UK and more than 30,000 people currently living with the condition.2 The condition typically affects people aged between 70 to 75 years and is rare in individuals under 50 years of age.1

The cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is currently unknown; however, common triggers include:1

Smoking

Acid reflux

Exposure to certain types of dust, mainly metal or wood

Family history of the condition

Viral infections

Common signs and symptoms include:1

Persistent dry cough

Shortness of breath

Tiredness

Loss of appetite and
weight loss

Rounded and swollen fingertips (clubbed fingers)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be diagnosed through various tests measuring how well your lungs are working, including:3–5

  • Computed tomography, or CT, scan: can take detailed images of the lungs using a mix of X-rays
  • Lung biopsy: a small piece of lung is examined under a microscope
  • Bronchoscopy: a small camera is inserted through the mouth into the lungs to see directly inside
  • Spirometry: measures how much air you can hold in your lungs

Further support and resources

There are several charities and organisations in the UK dedicated to supporting individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, raising awareness about the condition, funding research, and providing resources for patients and caregivers.

For resources to support you with managing your condition:

For help with quitting smoking:

Air pollution and respiratory diseases

Although found everywhere, air pollution is most common in large, busy cities. Small airborne particles found in haze, smoke and dust present serious air quality problems. These small particles are formed during construction, in transport and in chemical industries. When inhaled, particles can enter the lungs, acting as direct irritants that cause the airways to swell and tighten, which leads to respiratory conditions and worsening of symptoms.6

Understand when air pollution is predicted to be high in your local area according to the Met Office.

The Clean Air movement

Global Action Plan’s Clean Air movement helps businesses make changes in their air pollution production and encourages governments to bring about systemic change.7

Get involved in the Global Action Plan to combat air pollution.

Patient Resources

If you’re a patient, or a carer of a patient, who has been prescribed one of our products, you’ll find information and resources to help manage your condition here

Access resources

References

  1. NHS. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/.
  2. Breathing Matters. Stark Facts about Pulmonary Fibrosis. Available at: https://www.breathingmatters.co.uk/general/stark-facts-about-pulmonary-fibrosis/.
  3. Asthma + Lung UK. How is IPF diagnosed? Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-ipf/how-ipf-diagnosed.
  4. Asthma + Lung UK. Imaging scans. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/symptoms-tests-treatments/tests/imaging-scans.
  5. NHS. Spirometry. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spirometry/.
  6. American Lung Association. Particle pollution. Available at: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air-unhealthy/particle-pollution
  7. Global Action Plan. Action for Clean Air. Available at: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/.