If you’re experiencing symptoms like acid reflux, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough that won’t quit, doctors warn these may be more than just a minor issue. Dr. Nicole Ng, associate director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at Mount Sinai Health System, says some ordinary-seeming symptoms could signal a serious health condition – idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
IPF is one of over 200 lung conditions that affect the space around air sacs in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. There’s no cure, but early treatment may slow its progression.
Symptoms to watch out for include shortness of breath during exercise or daily activities, a dry cough that doesn’t go away, severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and clubbing – a widening and rounding of the tips of fingers or toes.
A treatment plan may include antifibrotics, pulmonary rehab, oxygen therapy, and addressing associated conditions like reflux, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension.
Source: https://www.aol.com/doctor-says-subtle-symptoms-may-133100953.html?guccounter=1