Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
by Helen Morris, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Lead – ARNS Respiratory Disease Sub Committee
September marks Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, a globally recognised initiative to raise awareness about Pulmonary Fibrosis as a disease, its challenges, symptoms and how it affects patients, their families and friends.
Pulmonary Fibrosis describes a group of Interstitial Lung Diseases where the lungs have become permanently scarred over time making it difficult for the lungs to function normally. The scarring is called fibrosis and is usually progressive and can be associated with a poor prognosis. Treatment options include antifibrotic medications (to slow down the scarring), supplementary oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplant, palliative care and end of life care.
If your patient is breathless on exertion, has a persistent cough, has worsening fatigue and you can hear Velcro crackles on auscultation, consider – could this be Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis experience significant and distressing symptoms. Breathlessness and cough are the most common occurring alongside symptoms such as anxiety and depression, reflux, weight loss and fatigue. Several tools can be utilised to help to manage some of the symptoms associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis including non-pharmacological techniques and strategies, pharmacological treatments, psychological support, nutritional support, and support for family/carers.
The links below will take you to charities and associations who provide education, resources and support for patients and carers affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis and health care professionals working with patients affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis.
https://www.actionpf.org/
https://pulmonaryfibrosistrust.org/
https://www.eu-pff.org/about-eu-pff/