Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be difficult to diagnose.
If your GP thinks you have IPF, they can refer you to a respiratory doctor for tests.
A respiratory doctor can check if you have IPF or another condition that causes scarring and inflammation in your lungs. This is called interstitial lung disease.
The respiratory doctor may:
- recommend you have more tests
- refer you to a specialist interstitial lung disease clinic
What to expect at your respiratory doctor
Your doctor will ask:
- about your medical history
- if you smoke or used to smoke
- if you have been exposed to harmful substances at work, such as asbestos
- if you have a family history of IPF
They may also:
- check the sound of your breathing through a stethoscope - a crackling sound can suggest lung scarring (fibrosis)
- look at your fingers to see if the ends are swollen (finger clubbing)
- ask you to do an exercise test, such as the 6-minute walk test or shuttle test
Breathing tests
You may have tests to help show how well your lungs are working. These are called a lung function tests or pulmonary function tests.
These tests measure how:
- quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs
- much air your lungs can hold
- well your lungs transfer oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide from it
A common test is a spirometry. You breathe into a small device called a spirometer.
Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray is the first test you will get if you have symptoms of IPF.
If your doctor sees anything abnormal, they will refer you for more tests.
CT scan
A CT scan uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your lungs. This can help your doctor spot signs of scarring in your lungs.
Bronchoscopy
If your doctor is still not sure what the problem is after these tests, you may be offered bronchoscopy.
A bronchoscopy is a type of endoscopy.
Your doctor can use a bronchoscopy to:
- see the inside of your airways
- remove a small sample of tissue that they send to a lab (biopsy)
Lung biopsy
If other tests cannot confirm your diagnosis, you may need a lung biopsy.
You will have keyhole surgery to remove a small sample of your lung tissue. A lab can check the sample for scarring.