Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Your Guide to
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
If you're considering a lung transplant, you'll need emotional support from family and friends. Support groups can help by putting you in touch with people who are also getting transplants. Ask your doctor about programs that can help explain what to expect before and after the surgery.
Scientists are also studying new treatments for IPF in clinical trials. These trials test new drugs to see if they are safe and if they work. They often are a way for people to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be good for you.
IPF is a serious disease, and it will have a big effect on your life and your loved ones. To stay as healthy as possible, follow your treatment plan and see your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working.
There are other things you can do to feel better:
It’s hard to live with an illness like IPF. Remember that it’s OK to ask a doctor, counselor, friend, or family member for help with any stress, sadness, or anger you may feel. Support groups are good places to talk to other people who are living with IPF or a similar condition. They can give you and your family advice and understanding.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
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Your Guide to
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Getting a Diagnosis
- Questions for Your Doctor
- Treatment
- Taking Care of Yourself
- What to Expect
- Getting Support
If you're considering a lung transplant, you'll need emotional support from family and friends. Support groups can help by putting you in touch with people who are also getting transplants. Ask your doctor about programs that can help explain what to expect before and after the surgery.
Scientists are also studying new treatments for IPF in clinical trials. These trials test new drugs to see if they are safe and if they work. They often are a way for people to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be good for you.
Taking Care of Yourself
IPF is a serious disease, and it will have a big effect on your life and your loved ones. To stay as healthy as possible, follow your treatment plan and see your doctor regularly to make sure your treatment is working.
There are other things you can do to feel better:
- Eat healthy. A well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and lean protein is good for your body in general.
- Exercise. Take a daily walk or bike ride. It can strengthen your lungs and reduce stress. If it’s hard to breathe when you’re active, ask your doctor about using oxygen during your workouts.
- Quit smoking. Cigarettes and other tobacco products damage your lungs and make breathing problems worse. Your doctor can recommend programs to help you quit.
- Get a flu shot. Vaccines can protect you from infections like the flu or pneumonia, which can harm your lungs. You need a flu shot every year. Most people need one dose of the pneumonia vaccine, but with IPF or if you’re 65 or older and it’s been at least 5 years since your last dose, you’ll need a second shot. Try to stay away from people who have colds.
- Find ways to relax. Low-key activities that you enjoy are great ways to fight stress. Try reading, drawing, or meditating.
It’s hard to live with an illness like IPF. Remember that it’s OK to ask a doctor, counselor, friend, or family member for help with any stress, sadness, or anger you may feel. Support groups are good places to talk to other people who are living with IPF or a similar condition. They can give you and your family advice and understanding.
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