Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common cause of chronic diffuse parenchymal disease of unknown cause. However, IPF patients sometimes develop acute exacerbation (AE), which is a life-threatening condition. The cause of AE of IPF remains unknown. The new criteria for AE of IPF have been proposed last year, wherein both idiopathic and triggered AE were proposed. Triggered AE includes infection, post-procedure and post-operation, drug toxicity, and aspiration. Therefore, detailed history taking is crucial. In this review, the definition, clinical symptoms, chest imaging, management, and prognosis for AE of IPF are described.