Factors that make you more susceptible to pulmonary fibrosis include:
Age: Although pulmonary fibrosis has been diagnosed in children and infants, the disorder is much more likely to affect middle-aged and older adults.
Sex: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is more likely to affect men than women.
Smoking: Far more smokers and former smokers develop pulmonary fibrosis than do people who have never smoked. Pulmonary fibrosis can occur in patients with emphysema.
Certain occupations: You have an increased risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis if you work in mining, farming or construction or if you're exposed to pollutants known to damage your lungs.
Cancer treatments: Having radiation treatments to your chest or using certain chemotherapy drugs can increase your risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
Genetic factors: Some types of pulmonary fibrosis run in families, and genetic factors may be a component.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
