Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal, chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, of unknown aetiology. The present study assessed risk factors and clinical profile of cases of IPF. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 48 cases of IPF of both genders. Onset and duration of symptoms, past and personal history to look for any risk factor, family history was recorded. Six minute walk test was performed to see exercise tolerance. Arterial blood gas was done to test hypoxia at rest. Results: Out of 48 patients, males were 28 and females were 20. Common risk factors were smoking seen in 21, positive family history was seen in 10 and GERD in 14 patients. Common symptoms in patients were cough in 45, chest pain in 42, fever in 12, hemoptysis in 7 and weight loss in 5 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that common risk factors in cases of IPF were GERD, positive family history and smoking and symptoms were cough, breathlessness and fever. Key words: Cough, Fever, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.