Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: symptoms and which specialist to see

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Reviewed by the medical team of El Doctor Editorial policy

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease in which the tissue of the lungs becomes thick and stiff from progressive scarring, without an identifiable cause, which makes it hard for oxygen to pass into the blood.

Frequent symptoms:

Shortness of breath that worsens with exertion
Persistent dry cough
Tiredness and, at times, weight loss

When to see a doctor? It is advisable to seek care when the difficulty breathing progresses over time or the dry cough does not subside within weeks.

Which specialist treats it? The pulmonologist is the one who evaluates and follows up on this condition, with support from the internist or critical care medicine in acute cases. If you notice these signs, the wisest thing is to request a professional evaluation to guide the next steps.

Data on 290 doctors who treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Typical price

$900 MXN

50% above the national median

50% charge between $500 and $1,100 MXN

91% with verified license 3 speak English

Insurance accepted

GNP Seguros 5 AXA Seguros 5 Mapfre 3 Bupa 3 Allianz 3 Mediaccess 3

Which specialist treats idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

If you have symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, it's best to see a pulmonologist. Depending on your specific case, a general practitioner or an internist may also be involved in your care. You can find and book an appointment with these specialists near you.

Pulmonologist General Practitioner Internist Critical Care and Intensive Care Specialist