Pulmonary fibrosis

< 1 min read

Getting a diagnosis

It can take a while to be diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and you might have already had symptoms for some time. This is often because PF can be easily confused with symptoms of other lung problems, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.

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There are over 200 different kinds of PF. You will need to see a specialist doctor to work out the underlying type of PF  you have. This helps them choose the best treatment and care options for you.

Types of tests for PF

Here are some tests your specialist doctor might do:

  • Physical exam: The doctor will listen to your chest. They’ll be listening for crackling sounds, like the sound of Velcro ripping, which can be a sign of PF
  • Blood tests: These tests are mainly used to help rule out known causes of lung scarring
  • Lung function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are working. They also help doctors see how the disease is changing over time
  • Chest x-ray: This can show signs of PF, but it doesn’t always, especially in the early stages
  • HRCT chest scan: This is a special type of CT scan that gives very detailed pictures of your lungs
  • Lung biopsy: Sometimes, doctors might need to take a small sample of lung tissue.

A team of healthcare professionals may look at your test results together as a multi-disciplinary team. These may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, physiotherapists, pathologists and more. They’ll work out your underlying type of PF and develop the best treatment plan for you. This is considered the best way to care for someone with PF.

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Last updated on July 11th, 2025 at 11:40 am

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