Newly Diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a form of interstitial lung disease or told you have pulmonary fibrosis, you may still be reeling from the news. Your doctor may have explained your condition to you, but it is sometimes hard to grasp all the details at once.
There are things you can do that will will help you get the best medical treatment available. PF Warriors urges you to learn about your condition, work closely with your doctors, and create healthy habits that will improve your overall health. Because of the complexity of pulmonary fibrosis and emerging treatments, seek an experienced pulmonologist who specializes in interstitial lung disease. Ask questions of your healthcare team, follow up when you do not understand, and learn to be your own advocate of your health.
Learn to live with the disease, not for the disease. The information on this page is just a beginning.
Causes and Diagnosis
Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis
- 5 Secrets from Patients Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis
I became a caregiver for my partner when she was diagnosed with non-specific interstitial pneumonia in 2014. She had a nagging cough which had persisted through November and December into January and February. Finally, we agreed: this was not a normal flu or cold cough. When she came home with the diagnosis, all I knew [Read More] - 5 Tips for Talking to Family and Friends about Your Health
Talking to family and friends about your fibrotic lung disease can be frustrating. Pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease are rare and are not well-publicized, so many people have never heard of it. What do you tell your friends and family about your health? Here are a few things I’ve learned about how to talk [Read More] - Newly Diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis? Do These Things First
Learning that you have a rare lung disease is shocking, confusing, and just plain frightening. Often, people with pulmonary fibrosis see their primary care physician because they are concerned about coughing or shortness of breath. Some learn of the condition as a result of a routine exam or other treatment. You never expect to hear [Read More] - 3 Most Important Numbers on a Lung Function Test for Pulmonary FibrosisDuring diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease, your doctor will administer a pulmonary function test (PFT). A pulmonary function test, also called a lung function test, is a set of tests that measure how well your lungs are working. Most common test is inhaling and exhaling The most common type of lung [Read More]
- Which Doctors Should be on Your Healthcare Team for Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Maybe you spent months going from doctor to doctor, completing test after test, trying to find out what is wrong with your health. Just having a diagnosis can be a relief. But now that you know you have pulmonary fibrosis you may wonder “should I get a second opinion?” Certainly, you ask yourself “how do [Read More] - What to know about the Six-Minute Walk Test
One of the ways that doctors measure the severity of pulmonary fibrosis is by conducting a six-minute walk test (SMWT or 6MWT). We’ll explain what a six-minute walk test is, how it’s performed, and what it can tell you and your doctor about your pulmonary fibrosis. What is a six-minute walk test? A six-minute walk [Read More]
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We’ll send you an email welcoming you as a member. You’ll have the chance to speak with another pulmonary fibrosis patient. You’ll receive email invitations to our monthly educational meetings and peer-to-peer support meetings. You can also view meeting replays featuring experts in pulmonary fibrosis.
