Causes - Lung Foundation Australia

There are many causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). Your doctor will perform tests to confirm that you have PF and to look for a cause.

Pulmonary Fibrosis with a known cause may be secondary to:

Autoimmune disease (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma)
Non-organic exposures (e.g. asbestos, silica, certain medications)
Organic exposures (e.g. hypersensitivity pneumonitis from mould or birds)
Smoking (e.g. pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis).

“Idiopathic” diseases refer to specific diseases where the underlying cause is unknown. The most common condition in this group of diseases is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Other conditions include Idiopathic Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) and Cryptogenic Organising Pneumonia (COP).

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Infographic

This infographic provides a snapshot of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Australia and highlights the causes, symptoms and diagnosis.

Maree’s story

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pulmonary Fibrosis

It all started between 1962 and 1978. My husband was a machinist but did many different tasks in his job in the mineralogy department. It…

Quitting smoking: A patient’s perspective

Video

Meet Sandie, she has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Hear her story of how she was diagnosed and how important quitting smoking was for her health and her family.

Information and support

Our Information and Support Centre team are here to assist you with your questions, provide general information and referral to support services. This free and confidential service is available Monday to Friday 8am – 4.30pm (AEST). Call 1800 654 301 or email us below.