ACN MedUpdate: Your Monthly Health & Practice Snapshot

Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis Can’t Wait

September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) in Context:

Pulmonary fibrosis is a significant threat within interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), a diverse group of lung disorders:

• Idiopathic ILD

• Autoimmune ILDs

• Sarcoidosis

• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

• Other ILDs

  
  

Fact: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form.

Why Early Recognition Matters - PF can progress rapidly and is linked to poor prognosis. Watch for:

• Worsening respiratory symptoms

• Decline in lung function (FVC decreases)

• Increased mortality or risk for lung transplantation

  
  

Common Diagnostic Challenges:

PF often mimics other respiratory conditions due to nonspecific symptoms:

• Symptoms: Cough, dyspnea, fatigue

• Frequently misdiagnosed as: COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, CHF.

  
  

Tips for Accurate Diagnosis

• Order a High-Resolution CT (HRCT) scan

• Include key clinical details in your order:

  • Non-productive or dry cough

  • Dyspnea

  • Crackles on auscultation

  • Fatigue/weakness

  • Finger clubbing

  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

    
    

Treatment Updates

• FDA-approved antifibrotic therapies can slow disease progression.

  
  

Takeaway: Early identification and timely treatment are essential for improved outcomes.

Earn 6.5 CME credits about Interstitial Lung Disease offered by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Date: October 4, 2025

Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL

https://www.cmeoutfitters.com/activity/2025-early-career-preceptorship-program-on-interstitial-lung-disease-clinical-advances-in-fibrosing-ilds-multidisciplinary-approaches-to-optimizing-patient-care/

References:

•  https://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/interstitial-lung-disease/diagnosis-IPF-full-length.pdf

• https://www.thoracic.org/statements/guideline-implementation-tools/matrix-guidelines-and-derivatives-ipf-update.php?

• https://pro.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/insights-in-ild/

Disclaimer: This information is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical judgment or personalized patient care. Clinicians must refer to official guidelines, original research, and institutional protocols before making clinical decisions. ACN is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this content.