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- Lung tissue becomes scarred, thicker and less elastic.
- Less available lung area for gas exchange in the scarred areas of the alveoli.
- Lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
- Scarring typically progresses making it more difficult to breathe.
- Breathlessness is worse on even slight exertion.
- In the absence of other factors such as infection, worsening breathlessness is a indicator of poor prognosis.
