Actualización en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática: revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease of unknown cause, generally associated with a poor prognosis, characterized by definitive morphological changes that change the architecture of the lung parenchyma, in the long term resulting in irreversible fibrosis, respiratory failure, and finally death. Currently there have been important advances in understanding the pathophysiology of IPF, however, despite the undeniable advances, the diagnosis of IPF remains a challenge; it requires trained medical personnel accompanied by a multidisciplinary assessment to achieve an accurate, effective, and individualized diagnosis. The implementation of antifibrotic drugs created a better outlook for the treatment of IPF and promising new drugs are currently being evaluated. In responding to patients' needs, emphasis should be placed on non-pharmacological treatment of IPF, which reduces symptomatology and improves quality of life.