Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis significantly negatively affects patients' quality of life and makes it shorter. Even though current medicine has no option how to restore lungs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, we are able to improve their survival.
Treatment should always be complex and include both pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. Antifi brotics (nintedanib, pirfenidone) compared to best supportive care significantly extend idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients' life, however predictors of treatment response in an individual patient are still unknown.
Longer survival of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients goes hand in hand with new challenges - e.g. higher incidence of bronchogenic cancer in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients with specific diagnostic and treatment difficulties. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis should be known both to respiratory specialists and to medical doctors of other specializations, because the most important factors for successful idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment are correct and prompt diagnosis.