Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a long-term chronic condition, which is more common in older adults. It is a progressive disease limited to the lungs and presents with several features which have variable degrees of severity. PF is a highly complex disease with many different types, of which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common (American Lung Association, 2024). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most aggressive forms of PF, characterised by chronic, progressive fibrosis associated with inexorable decline in lung function, progressive respiratory failure, and high mortality (Barratt et al, 2018). The prognosis is often poor and the vague symptoms can make diagnosis challenging for clinicians. This article focuses predominantly on IPF to give an insight into this complex condition with the aim of improving confidence in recognition of the disease. With increased knowledge, it is hoped that quality of life can be improved for patients suffering with this unpleasant condition.