You may never have heard of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) or interstitial lung disease (ILD). Interstitial lung diseases are relatively rare compared to chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), a much more common breathing-related ailment.
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) isn’t just one disease. It is more than 200 different lung diseases, types of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), that all include inflammation or scarring of the lungs. Shortness of breath and persistent cough are common symptoms.
Therapies are Available
There is no cure available for PF or ILD, but medications and treatment are available that can significantly slow the progression of lung fibrosis.
While you may have heard that the average life span for patients is 3 to 5 years after diagnosis, many patients are living much longer. Medical research and clinical trials are underway that may offer more effective treatments soon. Many PF Warriors have found that lifestyle changes and new drug therapies help extend their lives longer than previously expected and can improve the quality of their lives.
Additional Resources
