Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, making the lungs stiffer and less able to move oxygen into the bloodstream efficiently. It falls under a broader category of conditions called interstitial lung disease (ILD), which also includes conditions like sarcoidosis.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity

• A persistent, dry cough

• Fatigue

• Gradual decline in exercise tolerance over time

How it's diagnosed and managed: Diagnosis typically involves imaging (such as high-resolution CT), pulmonary function testing, and a detailed review of your medical history and potential exposures, since some cases are linked to specific causes while others are idiopathic (without a clearly identified cause). Dr. Abdallah works with patients to identify the specific type of ILD involved where possible, initiate appropriate treatment to help slow disease progression, and manage symptoms over time — with the goal of preserving quality of life and lung function for as long as possible.A cough that persists for eight weeks or longer is considered chronic, and it can have a wide range of underlying causes — some pulmonary, and some not.