Friday, 29/08/2008

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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is caused by scarring to the lungs. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs become replaced by fibrotic tissue. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an irreversible loss of the tissue’s ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. The symptoms include shortness of breath particularly with exertion, chronic dry hacking cough, fatigue and weakness. Over five million people worldwide suffer from this fatal condition – and there is currently no cure or effective treatment.

Source: http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ipf.htm