Pulmonary Fibrosis
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What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?
In pulmonary fibrosis, the lung tissue becomes scarred, thickened, and stiff. It can be caused by exposure to substances in the environment, some chemotherapy treatments, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Pulmonary fibrosis from one of these causes is called interstitial lung disease (ILD). When there’s no known cause, the term idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is used.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis
The most common symptom is shortness of breath. Other symptoms include cough and fatigue.
UR Medicine's Treatments for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Our Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Care Center welcomes patients looking for care, a second opinion, or a chance to participate in clinical trials.
Pulmonary fibrosis is typically diagnosed using CT imaging but may also be diagnosed by examining lung tissue after a biopsy. Bronchoscopy, an outpatient procedure using a fiber-optic to inspect the airways for abnormalities or to obtain samples of lung fluid or tissue, may be used.
Treatments are not always needed immediately. Some types of pulmonary fibrosis respond to steroids while others require anti-fibrotic medications, which slow the rate of decline in lung functioning.
Other treatments include oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. If needed, oxygen therapy can help patients feel less short of breath. Rehabilitation involves exercise, nutritional counseling, energy-conserving techniques, breathing strategies, and more. The only current cure for IPF is lung transplantation.
What Sets Us Apart?
The University of Rochester Interstitial Lung Disease Center is the only program in upstate New York to receive the distinction of an official Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Care Center Network (PFF-CCN).
Our Center offers patients access to world-renowned experts in scarring lung diseases, improves the accuracy of diagnoses, increases access to anti-scarring medications, enables participation in clinical trials, and advances research.
At UR Medicine, we have a multidisciplinary committee that meets regularly to ensure an appropriate and timely diagnosis for each of our patients.
Providers
Locations
View All LocationsWe serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.
View All Locations4 locations
Red Creek (Calkins Corporate Park)
400 Red Creek Drive, Suite 110
Rochester, NY 14623
Ambulatory Care Center at Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue, 3rd Floor
Rochester, NY 14642
Highland Professional Office Building
990 South Avenue, Suite 106
Rochester, NY 14620
FF Thompson Hospital
Marilyn Sands Outpatient Clinic, 395 West Street, Door 20
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Patient Education & Support
Clinical Trials
To inquire about participation in a clinical trial at the UR PFF-Care Center, please call us and leave your name, date of birth, contact information and your specific question. Your information will be passed on to our study coordinator and you will be contacted with additional information regarding research opportunities.
(585) 275-4161