interstitial lung disease

Last reviewed 07/2023

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which there is diffuse fibrosis of lung parenchyma with a resultant impairment of gas transfer and ventilation-perfusion mismatching.

Fibrosis within the lung may be:

  • replacement fibrosis, secondary to disorders such as:
    • infarction
    • pneumonia
    • tuberculosis

  • focal fibrosis, in response to irritants such as:
    • silica
    • coal dust

  • interstitial fibrosis:
    • cryptogenic (idiopathic) fibrosing alveolitis
    • extrinsic allergic alveolitis