Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Hoarse Voice

I’m going thru the same thing. I have pulmonary fibrosis, and now I’ve been hoarse for a few months. What is causing this?

I'm new to this whole IPF thing. Last summer I had severe aspiration pneumonia x2 with sepsis. Of course theres scarring. My pulmonologist compared a ct done in Dec of 22 with one done in April/23. The latter is looking better and I'm told the scars have not progressed. (Grown?) I've heard that scars can progress. I wasnt aware. I heard that after 2 years if they havent grown they probably wont. It's been a year and I feel good, no shortness of breath and I do my usual things. No cough, no pain, no hoarseness. So I was originally diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia due to GERD- to possible PF? Now my pulmonologist has set up a phone appt with a lung scarring specialist. ( to be sure, he says). Someone also told me scars can shrink. Is this true? Thanks!

Once you have fibrosis those spots on your lungs do not improve you just can wish the fibrosis does not get worse and affects more areas of your lung

Thank you and that's what I thought. But someone said after they had pneumonia, the scars shrunk marginally. I'd never heard of that so wondered if anyone experienced it. 🙂

Scars can "stabilize" or "improve in appearance" , but once there do nit actually shrink. Think of a surgical scar on your body (I have a lot to choose from) - some formed keloids, or overgrowth of fibrous tissue and actually look worse over time. Others smmoth out as fatty tissue grows in, but don't actually go away - there is always a slight dip or ridge, an area that does not tan, or other indication.
Of course, we can't see what's in our lungs, but my doc showed me scars on my last CT. Looked the same as 3 years ago
Sue

Hi Sue,
So if your scars have been stable for 3 years I'm assuming you dont have ipf? Thank you for the interesting info! 🙂

I don't think so - the doc has never mentioned it. I don't go by that much - only if she says [better, worse, about the same]. Same with my other health issues - my body will never be perfect, I'm just hoping it lasts until I don't need it any more.
Sue

So, I am also interested in the original topic here.
Has anyone determined what is causing the hoarseness?

I’m trying to find that out too!I made an appt. With a Pulmonologist for the 5th of July. I have COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, My breathing has gotten labored and I went hoarse about 2-3 months ago. I’ll let you know after I get checked on the 5th.

Hello I am so very sorry for your issues. I have IPF. and was placed on an inhaler with a steroid in it. When I stopped the inhaler. My voice became more normal. I still have issues mult .problems ,But I still pushing and staying positive. Keep us posted. Hugs