IPF

Medical abbreviation · Respiratory

IPF
Stands forIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
CategoriesMedical

IPF stands for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory abbreviation.

Chronic, progressive scarring of the lungs of unknown cause, occurring mainly in adults over 60, particularly men with a smoking history. It causes worsening breathlessness, dry cough, finger clubbing and "Velcro-like" crackles at the lung bases.

Example: IPF with definite UIP pattern on HRCT; FVC 68%, starting nintedanib.

Usage notes

Diagnosis requires a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on CT or biopsy after excluding other causes. Untreated, median survival has historically been about three to five years after diagnosis. The antifibrotic drugs pirfenidone and nintedanib, both approved by the FDA in 2014, slow lung function decline, and lung transplantation is an option for selected patients. Acute exacerbations carry high mortality.

More respiratory abbreviations

  • HP – Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • HSAT – Home sleep apnea test
  • HTX – Hemothorax
  • ICS – Inhaled corticosteroid
  • ILD – Interstitial lung disease
  • iNO – Inhaled nitric oxide
  • LABA – Long-acting beta2-agonist
  • LAMA – Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
  • LLL – Left lower lobe
  • LPM – Liters per minute
  • LRTI – Lower respiratory tract infection
  • LTOT – Long-term oxygen therapy

See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.