The Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

While doctors are sometimes able to identify the causes which led to the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), there are many instances where the cause can not be determined, making it a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

MORE: Study links biology of aging and IPF, opens new paths for possible therapies

Our writer, Leonor Ferreira, mentioned that some of the most common causes of pulmonary fibrosis are:

Medication, drugs and treatments
There are several medications, treatments, and drugs that can cause different types of lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. For example, if you undergo radiation therapy to treat lung or breast cancer, you may show signs of lung damage later in life. The chemotherapy drugs used to kill cancer cells can also damage lung tissue. Certain antibiotics for heart conditions and seizures have also been known to cause PF.

Genetics
About 10 to 15 percent of people who suffer from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have another family member who’s also affected by the disease. Scientists have discovered various genes linked to the disease’s development, however, genetic tests are rarely used to diagnose PF. The medical community is just starting to understand how our genes are connected to PF and they’re still trying to determine how important that connection is.

MORE: Two gene mutations linked with telomeres in pulmonary fibrosis

Occupational and environmental exposure
Depending on where you live and work, there are several factors that can affect your chances of developing PF.  Long term exposure to dangerous substances like asbestos, animal droppings, coal, grain, silica or hard metal dust could result in your lungs and airways to become damaged and increase the risk of PF.

Autoimmune diseases
It’s been proven that PF can originate from several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic scleroderma, or by a number of muscle diseases, including anti-synthetase syndrome, polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

All of these can be considered one of the following:

• Rheumatic diseases
• Collagen vascular diseases
• Connective tissue diseases

All of these are connected to your immune system, making them autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune conditions can cause your body’s immune system to attack your lungs, which can cause several types of damage.

MORE: High levels of two immune system-related proteins linked to pulmonary fibrosis, study reports

Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.