Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to reduce the number of people suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is still unclear but the condition appears to be connected with cells inside the lungs known as alveolar epithelial cells. There is currently no cure for IPF so the aim of treatment is to try to relieve symptoms and slow its progression.

Younger people with IPF who are in a relatively good state of health may be a suitable candidate for a lung transplant.

Public Health England is currently running a campaign to encourage those with inappropriate breathlessness (which is a symptom of IPF) to go and see their general practitioner. It is primarily aimed at earlier diagnosis of heart and lung diseases, with scope to reduce premature mortality and to improve the quality of life of those living with these conditions.