Identification and treatment of comorbidities in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic lung diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) frequently result in considerable disability and reduced survival in affected patients. Unfortunately, they are often poorly responsive to available therapies. Comorbidities, both pulmonary and nonpulmonary, frequently accompany ILDs and contribute to adverse outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple comorbidities, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, venous thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, sleep-disordered breathing, depression, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer contribute to the morbidity and mortality of fibrotic lung disease.

SUMMARY: The identification and treatment of comorbidities may improve morbidity and potentially impact mortality in patients with ILD. A high index of suspicion and an awareness of the spectrum of comorbidities are important in optimizing outcomes in this group of patients.