Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease that causes the air sacs in the lungs to become inflamed and scarred. As a result, it is difficult for the lungs to move oxygen into the blood and through the body. There is no cure for IPF, and its effects vary from person to person. In some people, the lung tissue quickly becomes thick and stiff, while in others, the process is much slower. For some people, the condition stays the same for years. The main treatment for this condition is medications, such as prednisone.