Timely Diagnosis Vital for Pulmonary Fibrosis Management
09 Sep 2025
Respiratory specialist urges GPs to spot early pulmonary fibrosis for improved patient outcomes.
A dry cough or shortness of breath is often dismissed as a sign of ageing or asthma, but these symptoms could indicate something more serious: pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Early detection is critical, as timely diagnosis can save lives.
PF is a group of conditions that cause irreversible scarring of the lungs, mainly affecting people over 60. Symptoms include gradual breathlessness, dry cough, weight loss, and eventually, respiratory failure.
In Australia, more than 1,250 people are diagnosed each year with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common form of PF. Its prevalence is rising, with cases expected to increase from 14.2 per 100,000 in 2018 to 16.3 per 100,000 by 2025.
While PF cannot be cured, early detection can slow its progression.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month 2025
During Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, leading clinicians, including Dr Kerry Hancock, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Respiratory Medicine, emphasised that early diagnosis starts in general practice.
Dr Hancock notes that early symptoms, such as “velcro-type” crackles in the lungs, may appear years before diagnosis. However, because symptoms overlap with other lung conditions, a high-resolution CT scan is required for a formal diagnosis.
Once PF is identified, GPs are encouraged to refer patients to respiratory specialists, who can determine the specific type of PF and guide treatment.
Professor Tamera Corte, Director of Interstitial Lung Disease at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, warns that diagnosis may be delayed for up to 10 years, which can result in missed opportunities for early treatment.
Dr Hancock stressed:
“GPs need to be alert to the signs and refer patients early. Acting quickly means earlier treatment and better outcomes.”
(Source: RACGP / Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis)
