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The exact cause and pathology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are unknown, but several factors are linked to a higher risk of the condition or worsened symptoms, known as triggers.

These triggers typically cause mild scarring of the lung tissue in the initial changes but can create significant damage over time, leading to changes in the function of the lungs in the delivery of oxygen to the body.

Exposure to Irritants

Environmental factors play a large role in the pathology of IPF and can trigger the scarring of the lung tissue that causes the condition. In particular, exposure to irritants such as certain dust or fumes can be pivotal in the development of IPF.

Some occupations are associated with greater exposure to these irritants and are hence linked to a predisposition to the condition. These jobs may include:

• Farmers
• Hairdressers
• Textile workers
• Stone workers
• Metal workers

Individuals working in these fields are more likely to be regularly exposed to irritants in the air, which they breathe in and trigger the pathogenesis of the condition. It appears that chronic exposure over time is most likely to cause damage to the lung tissue.

Smoking History

Individuals that currently smoke or have smoked in the past are at a high risk of suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis than other individuals, suggesting that the smoke may be involved as a trigger.

This is likely to be similar to exposure to irritants, in that chronic exposure over a long period of time is most likely to cause severe damage.

Associated Health Conditions

Some health conditions are also linked to an increased risk of IPF and may be involved in triggering the condition, although it is not clear if they are causative of the disease. Associated health conditions include:

• Epstein-Barr viral infection
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Hepatitis C
• Pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Tuberculosis

Additionally, chronic aspiration of food, drink or saliva as a result of another health condition may lead to the development of lung tissue damage and IPF.

Related Medications

Some medications used in the treatment of other health conditions may also trigger IPF, as a result of damage to the lung tissue. These medications may include:

• Cytotoxic drugs (e.g. methotrexate or cyclophosphamide)
• Arrhythmic drugs (e.g. amiodarone or propranolol)
• Antibiotics (e.g. nitrofurantoin or sulfasalazine)

Other Risk Factors

Although not classified as triggers, there are some risk factors for IPF that should be considered. The most important of these are gender and age.

Higher incidence of IPF has traditionally been observed in men, suggesting a gender susceptibility to the condition. However, the rates of women with the disease are currently increasing and this difference may be dissolving.

Age is a considerable risk factor for the condition, with the majority of patients diagnosed over the age of 60. Likewise, it is rare for an individual to be diagnosed with IPF before the age of 40. This is likely to be associated with the effect of chronic exposure to irritant over time, which slowly damages the lung tissue and eventually leads to symptoms and diagnosis of IPF.

Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis

Some patients may be genetically susceptible to IPF due to the inheritance of a gene from their parents, resulting in the condition running in family lines. However, in this case it is no longer classified as idiopathic, without a known cause, and is instead referred to as familial pulmonary fibrosis.

References

• http://patient.info/health/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-leaflet
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/301226-overview#a6
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis
• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/Pages/Causes.aspx
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/basics/causes/con-20029091

Further Reading

• All Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Content
• What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
• Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.