How does pulmonary fibrosis affect a person?

Various ways: Pulmonary fibrosis affects the ability of the lung to do its jobs and that is getting oxygen to the blood and getting rid of carbon dioxide. The lungs have to work harder. It is not uncommon to become short of breathe after a little excitement or mild exersise like climbing a flight of stairs.

Symptoms....: Pulmonary fibrosis leads to scarring in the lungs and can be due to many different processes. Pulmonary fibrosis patients experience shortness of breath as well as low oxygen levels which, if severe enough, leads to the need for supplemental oxygen use. Pulmonary fibrosis can lead to respiratory failure and the need for artificial ventilation, if severe enough.

Difficulty breathing: It can lead to restrictive lung pattern with progressive worsening of dyspnea with pulmonary hypertension and secondary right sided heart failure.