Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Asthma — August 2023
In August 2023 we looked at a surprising idea: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and asthma can be linked. One causes scarring in the lungs, the other causes airway tightness — but patients and doctors can see overlapping symptoms. This archive page sums up what we published and gives clear, useful advice if you or someone you care about is dealing with breathing problems.
Why this link matters
People with asthma usually have wheeze and variable breathlessness. IPF often shows steady shortness of breath and a dry cough, usually in older adults. Still, research and clinic reports from 2023 show that some patients with long-term asthma develop scarring patterns on scans or have symptoms that don’t respond to typical asthma treatments. That’s a red flag.
Because the treatments and outlook differ, getting the right diagnosis changes care fast. Asthma responds to inhaled steroids and bronchodilators. IPF is treated with antifibrotic drugs and supportive care like oxygen and rehab. Mixing those up can delay the right therapy.
Doctors use a few key tools to tell them apart: high-resolution CT scans to spot scarring, pulmonary function tests to measure how well lungs work, and sometimes lung biopsy or specialist review. Age, symptom pattern, and response to asthma meds also help. If an asthma patient isn’t improving or starts having constant cough and gradual exercise loss, clinicians will look for fibrosis signs.
Practical steps you can take
Notice changes. If your breathing gets steadily worse, or inhalers stop helping like they used to, tell your doctor. Ask for a chest CT or a referral to a pulmonologist. Simple tests — spirometry and oxygen checks — give quick clues.
Do what helps both conditions: stop smoking, get flu and pneumonia vaccines, and avoid smoke and strong pollutants. Pulmonary rehab, breathing exercises, and staying active can improve daily life whether you have asthma, IPF, or both.
If a specialist diagnoses IPF, ask about antifibrotic medications, oxygen needs, and pulmonary rehab. If asthma is still part of the picture, keep using prescribed inhalers and follow an asthma action plan. Coordinate care so your pulmonologist and primary doctor share info.
Finally, keep records. Track symptoms, medicine changes, and any triggers. That makes clinic visits more useful and speeds up the right diagnosis. For more detail, read the full August 2023 article on PushHealth Resource Center — it breaks down tests, symptoms, and what to expect when asthma and lung scarring overlap.
