Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs which leads to lung stiffness and a decrease of oxygen entering the blood. The two most prominent symptoms are dry cough and shortness of breath. Known causes of pulmonary fibrosis include asbestos exposure, toxic fumes, medications and allergic lung disorders.
Pulmonary fibrosis shows very specific scarring patterns on CT scans and lung biopsies. In many persons with this disorder, this scarring ultimately progresses to the point that the person is disabled.