Comorbidities and Complications in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Published in: Medical sciences (Basel) Vol. 6; no. 3; p. 71
• Main Authors: Cano-Jiménez, Esteban, Hernández González, Fernanda, Peloche, Guadalupe Bermudo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 30.08.2018; MDPI
• Subjects: Carbon monoxide; Cell cycle; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; comorbidities; complications; Emphysema; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Lung diseases; Medical prognosis; Patients; Pulmonary fibrosis; Pulmonary hypertension; Respiration; Review; Sarcoidosis; Sleep apnea; Smoking; Tomography; Spain; comorbidities; complications; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• ISSN: 2076-3271; 2076-3271
• DOI: 10.3390/medsci6030071

Though idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by single-organ involvement, many comorbid conditions occur within other organ systems. Patients with IPF may present during evolution different complications and comorbidities that influence the prognosis and modify the natural course of their disease. In this chapter, we highlight common comorbid conditions encountered in IPF, discuss disease-specific diagnostic modalities, and review the current treatment data for several key comorbidities. The diagnosis and treatment of these comorbidities is a challenge for the pulmonologist specialized in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). We will focus on pulmonary emphysema, lung cancer, gastroesophageal reflux, pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (sleep disorders), and acute exacerbation of IPF.