Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition characterized by the thickening, scarring, and stiffening of lung tissue, which leads to a progressive decline in lung function. This process hinders the lungs' ability to effectively transfer oxygen to the bloodstream, resulting in shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms. The exact cause of pulmonary fibrosis is often unknown, but it can be associated with various factors such as environmental exposures, medications, and underlying medical conditions.