Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and irreversible lung disease characterized by inflammation and fibroproliferation of the lung parenchyma, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and ultimately death. It is more common in men and incidence increases after age 60. IPF affects over 100,000 people in the United States, with a median survival of less than 3 years after diagnosis. The pathophysiology of IPF is complex, but it is often considered an autoimmune disease involving dysregulation of alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells. Nursing implications include optimizing patient quality of life through supportive care, education, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Recent biomarkers, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 & MMP-7), can assist in diagnosis and staging. Common diagnostic tools include CT scans, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsies. Complications include pulmonary hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms include cough and shortness of breath.Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and irreversible lung disease characterized by inflammation and fibroproliferation of the lung parenchyma, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and ultimately death. It is more common in men and incidence increases after age 60. IPF affects over 100,000 people in the United States, with a median survival of less than 3 years after diagnosis. The pathophysiology of IPF is complex, but it is often considered an autoimmune disease involving dysregulation of alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells. Nursing implications include optimizing patient quality of life through supportive care, education, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Recent biomarkers, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 & MMP-7), can assist in diagnosis and staging. Common diagnostic tools include CT scans, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsies. Complications include pulmonary hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms include cough and shortness of breath.