Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD) that results in the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue due to excessive scarring, or fibrosis. This scarring impairs the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. Over time, these symptoms worsen, leading to severe respiratory impairment. The exact cause of pulmonary fibrosis is often unknown, particularly in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form. However, certain factors such as long-term exposure to harmful substances (like asbestos or…