California physicians have a new resource to assist them in the diagnosis and management of patients with interstitial and fibrotic disorders of the lung.

Washington, D.C. - Following the death of his colleague, Congressman Charlie Norwood of Georgia, from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis earlier this year, Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) has joined Congressman Nathan Deal (R-GA) in introducing a resolution to bring much needed attention to this devastating disease.

"Pulmonary fibrosis is an often overlooked degenerative and debilitating disease," said Congressman Baird. "My own father died of this disease, and my good friend and colleague Charlie Norwood died just a few months ago. It is my hope that with passage of this resolution we can increase awareness about this disease. We must aggressively pursue research opportunities into the causes of the disease, a treatment, and eventual cure."

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung disorder causing progressive, incurable lung scarring and an irreversible loss of the lung tissue's ability to transport oxygen. There is no known cause for this disease which affects approximately 128,000 Americans, with 48,000 new cases diagnosed each year, representing a 158 percent rise in mortality since 2001. Two-thirds of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients die with five years, and approximately 40,000 patients die each year.

The resolution calls for the designation of a "National Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis" week; supports the work of advocates and organizations in educating and supporting those who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis and their families; and urges research into the causes, a treatment and eventual cure.