Respiratory
Medicines for Pulmonary fibrosis
Scarring of the lung tissue that makes the lungs stiff and reduces oxygen transfer, causing breathlessness and cough — managed by specialists to slow progression and support breathing.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Pulmonary fibrosis?
Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring (fibrosis) of the tissue deep in the lungs, part of a group of conditions called interstitial lung diseases. The scarring makes the lungs stiff and thickened, so they cannot expand and transfer oxygen as well.
- How it is treated: Care is led by a specialist lung team and depends on the type and cause.
- Self-care: Stopping smoking, staying as active as possible (pulmonary rehabilitation helps), keeping up with recommended vaccinations, and managing other health conditions all support lung health and wellbeing.
- When to seek help: See a doctor about gradually worsening breathlessness or a persistent dry cough.
What it is
Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring (fibrosis) of the tissue deep in the lungs, part of a group of conditions called interstitial lung diseases. The scarring makes the lungs stiff and thickened, so they cannot expand and transfer oxygen as well. The main symptoms are increasing breathlessness (especially on exertion) and a persistent dry cough, often with tiredness. Some cases have a known cause — such as certain dusts, medicines, or autoimmune conditions — while others have no identifiable cause (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Diagnosis involves breathing tests, detailed CT scanning and specialist assessment.
How it is treated
Care is led by a specialist lung team and depends on the type and cause. The aims are to slow progression where possible, relieve symptoms, and maintain quality of life. Some forms are treated with medicines that slow scarring or that calm an overactive immune system, depending on the cause. Oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation (a supervised exercise and education programme), and treating other conditions all help. Stopping smoking, vaccinations, and support for breathlessness are important, and some people are considered for lung transplantation.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Pulmonary fibrosis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Stopping smoking, staying as active as possible (pulmonary rehabilitation helps), keeping up with recommended vaccinations, and managing other health conditions all support lung health and wellbeing.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about gradually worsening breathlessness or a persistent dry cough. Seek urgent help for a sudden worsening of breathlessness.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Pulmonary fibrosis: frequently asked questions
What causes pulmonary fibrosis?
Some cases are linked to dusts, certain medicines or autoimmune conditions; others have no identifiable cause (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). A specialist assessment helps identify the type.
Can pulmonary fibrosis be treated?
The scarring cannot be reversed, but specialist care can slow progression in some types, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life through medicines, oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG217 — Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- British Lung Foundation — Pulmonary fibrosis
Related conditions
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