ABOUT IPF

> Diagnosis

IPF may be difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons. First, the cause of IPF is unknown. Second, the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure. Third, IPF can coexist with other lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. In order to confirm the diagnosis of IPF, physicians must rule out all known causes of of fibrotic lung disease; therefore, it will often take some time to explore and eliminate other possible diagnoses.

The diagnostic process usually begins with a complete medical history and thorough physical examination. To confirm your diagnosis, your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests:

• Blood test to rule out other diseases.
• Pulmonary function test to measure your breathing capacity, determine the "stiffness" of your lungs, and calculate the amount of oxygen that transfers from your lungs to your bloodstream.
• Arterial blood test to measure oxygen levels in blood taken from your artery and determine the degree of gas exchange in your lungs.
• Exercise test in which you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle while measurements are taken to determine the response of your heart and lungs to physical activity.
• 6-minute walk test in which the physician measures the distance you walk in 6 minutes at your own pace to determine your lung function.
• X-ray and CT ("CAT") scan of your chest to identify the pattern of scarring in your lungs.
  
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in which a flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into your airways through your nose or mouth. Fluid is injected into your lungs and then removed in order to examine cells and look for signs of inflammation.
• Lung biopsy is performed by a chest surgeon in an operating room while you are under general anesthesia. The procedure is called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Small incisions are made on the side of your chest, and then small samples of tissue are taken. These samples are sent to a laboratory and analyzed under a microscope.

Related Links: More About IPF, Causes of IPF, Signs & Symptoms, Therapies

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